CS Ruku accuses Gachagua and allies of politically sidelining Mt Kenya East
By People Daily Digital Reporter, June 15, 2026Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and a section of leaders from the Mt Kenya West region, accusing them of intimidating and sidelining communities from Mt Kenya East for political gain.
Speaking after a church service on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at AIPCA St Dominic KK Maua in Igembe Central, Meru County, Ruku noted that some leaders from Mt Kenya West have historically used Mt Kenya East as a political stepping stone during election periods, only to abandon the region after securing power and return when the next elections approach.
The Cabinet Secretary maintained that the Mt Kenya East region remains firmly behind President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. He dismissed ongoing discussions about the deputy presidency, noting that the position is currently occupied and that any succession debates should wait until after 2032.
Ruku further argued that Kenya’s struggle for independence was a collective effort involving communities from across the country, stressing that the Mau Mau movement was not confined to a single region. He accused Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), of attempting to isolate the Mt Kenya West community politically from the rest of the country.
He insisted that Mt Kenya East would not be drawn into such political formations.
Calls for regional unity focus
The CS said Mt Kenya East – comprising Meru, Isiolo, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and Kirinyaga counties – must chart its own political and economic path. He argued that development projects undertaken in Mt Kenya West should not automatically be portrayed as benefits to the entire Mt Kenya region.
“It cannot be that whenever projects are implemented in Mt Kenya West, there is a narrative being pushed by Gachagua and his allies that Mt Kenya East has equally benefited,” Ruku said.
He also took a swipe at opposition leaders who previously served in senior government positions, accusing them of failing to deliver meaningful development for their communities despite having access to power.
In particular, Ruku criticised former Cabinet Secretaries Peter Munya and Mithika Linturi, stating that they failed to effectively champion the interests of the Meru community while serving in government. He further faulted the two leaders for disrespecting DP Kithure Kindiki, a senior elder with the Njuri Ncheke council of elders.
The Cabinet Secretary also rallied the Meru community and Kenyans at large to support President Ruto’s bid for a second term, citing what he described as visible and transformative development projects undertaken under the current administration.
Ruku argued that the government’s achievements in infrastructure, economic empowerment, and service delivery compare favourably with those of successive administrations since independence. He urged wananchi to remain united behind the president’s development agenda to ensure the country sustains its current growth trajectory.
Ruku called on leaders to embrace inclusive politics and focus on development rather than regional divisions, saying national unity remains critical to Kenya’s progress and prosperity.