The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and
Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has thrown his weight behind President
William Ruto’s firm stance against corruption, calling it one of the greatest
threats to national development and effective service delivery.
Speaking during a government outreach event in
Loiyangalani, Laisamis Constituency, Marsabit County, Ruku said the fight
against corruption is central to the Ruto administration’s vision of a professional,
transparent, and people-first government.
“Corruption undermines service delivery, robs
citizens of opportunities, and erodes trust in public institutions,” he said.
“This government will not allow favouritism, nepotism, or bribery. So long as
you have the merit and qualifications, you will be considered fairly for
opportunities within the public service.”
Ruku stressed that public servants must
embrace integrity and responsibility, adding that those found guilty of
corruption will face the full force of the law.
He urged Kenyans to actively report graft and reject bribery, noting that
public accountability begins with every citizen.
“As the President has said, this government
will not condone any form of corruption. Together, we must protect public
resources and ensure they serve the people as intended,” he stated.
The Cabinet Secretary made the remarks during
a special government outreach under the ‘Huduma Smart – Serikalini’ initiative,
aimed at uplifting vulnerable and marginalised communities.
The programme, part of the Ministry’s mandate under Executive Order No. 1 of
2025, targets food insecurity and climate resilience in arid and semi-arid
counties such as Marsabit.
During the outreach, Ruku visited Elmolo Bay
Primary School in Loiyangalani, a learning institution slowly being swallowed
by Lake Turkana following a geological tremor in 2018 that caused water levels
in the Rift Valley lakes to rise.
He pledged government support to relocate the
school to higher, safer ground in partnership with local leaders and civil
society organisations.
“Our goal is to ensure children in remote
areas are not left behind. Relocating this school is not just about safety;
it’s about protecting the future of this community,” said the CS.
Beyond emergency responses, Ruku highlighted
the Ministry’s commitment to long-term interventions through education, health,
economic empowerment, and social protection initiatives.
He said a renewed focus on human capital development would enable
communities to better withstand climate shocks and economic hardship.
“The government’s approach is anchored in a
fresh, focused, and inclusive model that leaves no one behind,” Ruku noted.
He also called for unity and peace in
Marsabit, urging leaders across political, religious, and community spheres to
collaborate in promoting harmony.
“When leaders are united, our people benefit.
Divisions and conflict only derail the development we all seek,” he said.
Accompanying the CS were MPs Joseph Lekuton
(Laisamis), Naomi Waqo (Marsabit County), and Iman Falhada (EALA).
Also present were Parliamentary Affairs PS Dr. Aurelia Rono and Fatima
Hlagane, founder of the Arima Myren Foundation, among other local leaders.
