Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has defended calls for special political and development consideration for Mt Kenya East, saying the region has experienced decades of unequal development compared to the western side of the mountain.

Speaking during an interview on Monday, July 27, 2026, Ruku dismissed claims that he had been sent by President William Ruto to divide the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, maintaining that his remarks were based on development realities facing the eastern counties.

“I’ve not been sent by anybody to split the mountain, and I’m not splitting the mountain. I’m just speaking the realities of the mountain,” Ruku stated.

The cabinet secretary said the discussion was centered on addressing historical development disparities rather than creating political divisions within the region.

Ruku cites infrastructure disparities

Ruku said Mt Kenya East continues to lag in infrastructure despite supporting successive governments over the years.

He said Mt Kenya West accounts for 77.7 per cent of the tarmac road network across the wider region, while Mt Kenya East has only 22.7 per cent.

Drawing from his experience in public service, Ruku recalled that when he first became a Member of Parliament in 2002, his constituency covered 871 square kilometres but had only 37 kilometres of tarmac roads.

He identified Meru, Isiolo, Tharaka-Nithi, Embu and Kirinyaga as counties that require greater investment to bridge long-standing development gaps.

According to Ruku, the current administration has prioritised infrastructure projects aimed at improving road networks, electricity connectivity, water access, and other public services across the eastern side of the mountain.

He said Meru County alone has more than 300 kilometres of roads under construction, 1,102 affordable housing units, markets with a combined capacity of 6,250 traders and hostels providing 3,850 beds in technical training institutions.

Responds to political criticism

Ruku also responded to criticism from former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua over the future of Mt Kenya politics.

He said while residents of the region share a common identity, development priorities vary across different counties and should be addressed through equitable resource allocation.

“He has managed to convince quite a substantial population of Mt Kenya West, but not the entire Mt Kenya region,” Ruku said.

The Cabinet Secretary added that the region remains well represented in the Kenya Kwanza administration through Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, heads of state corporations and ambassadors drawn from Mt Kenya.

Calls for equitable development

Ruku said the presence of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in government demonstrates that the region continues to play a central role in national leadership.

He also pointed to improved prices for tea, coffee and milk as some of the gains recorded under the current administration.

The cabinet secretary maintained that the call for special consideration for Mt Kenya East is intended to accelerate development in areas that have lagged over the years.

He said the focus should remain on ensuring that infrastructure projects and public investment reach all parts of the region to promote balanced development and improve livelihoods.