Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku has launched a fresh attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying he—not Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale—should be the first person summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over alleged hate speech and divisive politics.
Ruku accused Gachagua of repeatedly making ethnic remarks that undermine national cohesion, arguing that the former Deputy President has consistently promoted tribal politics instead of advancing a national development agenda.
Speaking during a public meeting in Wayu Boro, Galole Constituency, Tana River County, Ruku dismissed Gachagua’s recent call for the NCIC to investigate Duale, insisting the former Deputy President should instead answer questions over his own public statements.
He claimed Gachagua has continued to fuel ethnic divisions through his political rhetoric, warning that such utterances threaten peaceful coexistence and national unity.
The Cabinet Secretary also downplayed Gachagua’s political influence, expressing confidence that President William Ruto will secure a second term in the 2027 General Election.
According to Ruku, the Kenya Kwanza administration will campaign on its record in infrastructure, agriculture, social programmes and economic empowerment, saying the government’s development achievements will outweigh opposition politics.
He further maintained that the Mt Kenya region remains firmly behind President Ruto, dismissing claims that the region has shifted its political allegiance.
Ruku said the President has demonstrated inclusivity by appointing more Cabinet Secretaries from the Mt Kenya region than from any other part of the country, urging residents to continue supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration to accelerate development projects.
The Cabinet Secretary also defended Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, urging Gachagua to accord him the respect befitting his office and acknowledge his leadership role in the Mt Kenya region.
Earlier in Nairobi during the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Catholic Diocese of Embu Diaspora Mass, Ruku dismissed Gachagua’s recent political tour of Embu County as “empty populism,” accusing him of engaging in personal attacks instead of offering practical solutions to the country’s challenges.
He said Gachagua’s meetings with residents focused on criticizing government leaders rather than addressing issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
Ruku argued that Embu residents had not been persuaded to abandon the Kenya Kwanza administration, citing ongoing government investments in agriculture, infrastructure and other sectors as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving livelihoods.
“The development record of President Ruto’s administration speaks for itself and provides a strong foundation as he seeks a second term in the 2027 General Election,” Ruku said.
He also accused Gachagua of repeatedly disrespecting Deputy President Kindiki, describing recent calls by the former Deputy President for Kindiki to be respected as contradictory.
“It is ironic to ask Kenyans to respect the Deputy President after previously demeaning him through derogatory remarks. Politics should be anchored on policies, development and service delivery, not personal attacks and divisive campaigns,” Ruku said.
Former Mbeere North MP Muriuki Njagagua backed the Cabinet Secretary, urging Embu residents to reject what he described as Gachagua’s political propaganda and instead support leaders focused on development and service delivery.
