NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 18 – Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has come under sharp criticism from political leaders over remarks perceived as seeking to divide communities within the larger Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking over the weekend, Ruku reportedly called for a political realignment between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West, arguing that leaders from the Kikuyu community had sidelined residents of Embu and Meru counties.
The Cabinet Secretary maintained that communities from Mt Kenya East should chart their own political path, saying they had not received their fair share of leadership opportunities within the region.
His remarks have, however, sparked condemnation from leaders who accused him of promoting division and unnecessary political tensions.
Speaking in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, after attending a burial ceremony, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Executive Director Hebron Obaga accused the Cabinet Secretary of advancing a political agenda aimed at weakening the unity of the Mt Kenya voting bloc.
“It is unfortunate that a Cabinet Secretary entrusted with serving all Kenyans can engage in statements that appear to divide communities that have coexisted peacefully for decades,” said Obaga.
He further alleged that Ruku was being used by President William Ruto’s allies to push for a political separation between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West ahead of the next General Election.
“The people of Mt Kenya are united by history, culture and shared interests. Any attempt to divide them for political gain will be rejected by the electorate,” Obaga added.
2027 Kirinyaga gubernatorial aspirant Wangui Ngirici also dismissed the proposal, urging leaders to promote peace, cohesion and unity across the country.
“No leader should use their position to sow seeds of division among communities. Our responsibility is to unite Kenyans and focus on development issues that affect ordinary citizens,” said Ngirici.
She maintained that counties in Mt Kenya East, including Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi, would continue working closely with their counterparts in Mt Kenya West.
“No one can divide the mountain. We have lived together, worked together and will continue standing together as one people,” she said.
Ngirici further challenged leaders to respect the region’s cultural values and traditions, saying political differences should not be used to create hostility among communities.
Meanwhile, Obaga dismissed claims that the DCP party had earmarked direct nomination certificates for preferred candidates ahead of the elections.
He assured party members and aspirants that the party would conduct free, fair and transparent nominations.
“There will be a level playing field for all aspirants. No candidate should feel intimidated because the party is committed to a credible nomination process,” he said.
The debate over the political future of the Mt Kenya region is expected to intensify as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election
By KNA
