Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku speaking during a public meeting at Wayu Boro in Galole Constituency, Tana River County on July 26, 2026. Photo by Dennis Dibondo. 
By Dennis Dibondo
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku has called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to first summon former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what he described as repeated ethnic and divisive remarks, before pursuing other political leaders.
Ruku was responding to Gachagua's demand that the commission investigate Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over recent remarks in which he allegedly referred to members of the Kikuyu community as “hyenas.”
Speaking on Sunday during a public meeting at Wayu Boro in Galole Constituency, Tana River County, the Cabinet Secretary accused Gachagua of promoting tribal politics and making statements that undermine national unity and peaceful coexistence.
He said the former Deputy President had consistently propagated ethnic-based politics instead of championing a national development agenda, arguing that his public utterances warrant scrutiny by the cohesion commission.
Ruku maintained that Gachagua should first answer questions regarding his own statements before calling for investigations into other leaders.
The Cabinet Secretary also dismissed Gachagua's political influence, expressing confidence that President William Ruto would secure a second term in the 2027 General Election.
According to Ruku, the Kenya Kwanza administration will seek re-election on the strength of its development record, citing achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, social programmes and economic empowerment as the key pillars of President Ruto's campaign.
He said no political campaign mounted by Gachagua or any other opposition leader would derail the President's re-election bid, insisting that the government's development agenda would resonate with voters across the country.
Ruku further rejected claims that the Mt Kenya region had shifted its political allegiance, saying the region remains firmly behind President Ruto's administration.
He noted that the President had appointed more Cabinet Secretaries from the Mt Kenya region than from any other part of the country, describing the appointments as evidence of the government's commitment to inclusivity and recognition of the region's contribution to national development.
The Cabinet Secretary urged residents of the Mt Kenya region to continue supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that remaining within government would accelerate the implementation of development projects and improve livelihoods.
He also defended Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, calling on Gachagua to respect him and acknowledge his leadership role in the Mt Kenya region.
Ruku concluded by expressing confidence that President Ruto would win re-election in 2027, saying the government's unity and development-focused agenda would prevail despite growing political opposition.
The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by local leaders during the visit to Wayu Boro, where he presided over a fundraising event for the construction of a mosque.
