Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku and Akamba elders during the press conference in a Kitui town hotel on Saturday.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku on Saturday held a consultative meeting with the Kamba Clan Elders Governing Council to rally support for President William Ruto.
Speaking during a press conference after the meeting in Kitui town, Ruku described the discussions as development-orientated and emphasised the critical role elders play in advancing the region's development agenda.
“This meeting and others that will follow are necessary because, for us to move forward together, each party must be well informed about the other's agenda and how best to achieve our shared goals,” the CS said.
Ruku assured residents that the Kenya Kwanza government is committed to completing all ongoing projects and allocating funds for stalled projects across Ukambani, particularly in the water and roads sectors.
The CS, who was visiting the political stronghold of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, dismissed claims that his visit was politically motivated.
He maintained that his engagement with the elders was purely focused on development.
“I am on a mission to unite all Akamba clans through the council of elders to strengthen regional unity and accelerate development through government projects,” he said.
Ruku announced that construction of the long-delayed Thwake Multipurpose Dam across the Athi River will resume next month and continue to completion.
The project is expected to provide water to residents of Makueni, Kitui and Machakos counties. “President Ruto has secured adequate funding to ensure the project is completed,” he added.
The CS further said work on the stalled Umaa Dam project, which is expected to provide a reliable water supply to Kitui town and its environs, will resume in July.
Kamba Council of Elders secretary general Davis Maeke said the community supports the current administration to benefit from government services and development programmes.
He defended the elders' decision to work with the government, saying cooperation was the most effective way to secure development opportunities for the Ukambani region.
Maeke noted that collaborating with the government of the day, as provided for in the council's constitution, would deliver tangible benefits to residents through improved services and development projects.
He further emphasised that the council's priority remains the promotion of development, peace and security within the region and across the country as a foundation for stability.
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku and Akamba elders during the press conference in a Kitui town hotel on Saturday.
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku and Akamba elders during the press conference in a Kitui town hotel on Saturday.
