Ruku defends Ruto, insists no leader can block presidential tours in Mt Kenya
By Brian Malila, May 10, 2026Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has defended President William Ruto’s right to tour and implement development projects across all regions of the country.
He made the remarks while addressing congregants during a church service at Livingstone Church and Mwamba Imara NICA Church in Embu on May 10, 2026.
Ruku dismissed claims that President Ruto should seek approval to visit the Mt Kenya region, responding to recent remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Gachagua had urged residents to “listen to President Ruto and let him go”, statements that Ruku criticised as inappropriate.
“The president has a bigger responsibility to serve all Kenyans equally. There is no part of this country where he cannot go to launch projects and inspect development,” Ruku said.
He maintained that the Head of State does not require permission from any individual or group to carry out official duties in any part of the country.
He further stated that attempts to control political access to regions amounted to gatekeeping and risked dividing communities along political lines.
Criticism of opposition and regional leaders
Ruku accused Gachagua of positioning himself as a political gatekeeper in Mt Kenya and attempting to advance early political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election.
He also questioned Gachagua’s leadership credentials, arguing that governance should be assessed based on service delivery.
The CS also criticised Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, accusing him of focusing on political rhetoric rather than development in his constituency. He added that leadership should be measured through tangible service delivery rather than slogans or public commentary.
Ruku further directed criticism at former Meru Governor Peter Munya and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, urging them to respect current leadership structures under Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. He said political leaders should prioritise development and avoid divisive messaging.
Comments in Marsabit and Kenya Kwanza defence
On Saturday, May 9, during a tour of Moyale in Marsabit County, Ruku expanded his criticism to opposition leaders within the United Alternative Government (UAG) coalition, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee’s Fred Matiang’i and Gachagua.
“You who once held senior positions… you failed in your duties,” Ruku said. “Now you have come together, and your work is to go around spreading the filth that is in your hearts and misleading Kenyans. You have no agenda or ideas.”
He defended the Kenya Kwanza administration, citing ongoing infrastructure projects, youth and women empowerment programmes and efforts to ensure equitable resource distribution. Ruku expressed confidence that President Ruto would secure re-election in 2027, attributing it to the government’s development agenda.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity as leaders position themselves ahead of the next General Election, with ongoing debates over regional influence and national development priorities.