CS Ruku slams Muturi, Kivuti over rigging claims ahead of Mbeere North by-election

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has hit out at Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi and his Development Empowerment Party (DEP) counterpart Lenny Kivuti over allegations that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is planning to rig the upcoming Mbeere North by-election.

CS Ruku dismissed the rigging claims as unfounded, accusing the two leaders of propagating panic because they feared electoral defeat.

He was speaking at Cianyi in Mbeere North, Embu County, during the launch and flag-off of a government-funded school feeding programme.

He urged Muturi and Kivuti to accept the political reality on the ground, saying UDA had no intention of interfering with the by-election or the 2027 General Election.

Instead, he challenged them to focus on presenting their candidate’s agenda rather than peddling conspiracy theories.

“It is very unfortunate that during their recent meeting, they did not speak a word about their manifesto or what their candidate plans to do for the people. While we are focused on development, they are busy spreading propaganda,” he added.

The CS noted that UDA’s candidate, Leonard Wa Muthende, was enjoying overwhelming grassroots support, having actively engaged residents with a clear development agenda. 

He cited his own track record during his two terms as MP for Mbeere North, pointing to several transformative projects initiated under his leadership, including the now-tendered Gìkuyari-Mùmìnjì-Ishiara road, a result of his lobbying efforts.

“These are crocodile tears from leaders who have sensed the outcome. The people of Mbeere North have already made their choice; they will vote for Leonard Wa Muthende. No amount of political noise will change that,” Ruku stated.

Ruku challenged the two leaders to account for their long stints in government, saying they had collectively held senior positions for over three decades with little to show for it in Mbeere North.

“Let the people decide their next MP without distractions or sideshows. This is the time for fresh ideas and accountable leadership,” he said. 

The CS urged youths and unregistered voters to collect their national ID cards and register in time for the 2027 General Election, stressing that democratic participation begins with voter registration.

Joining Ruku at the event was former Mbeere North MP and current Presidential Advisor, Muriuki Njagagua, who echoed the CS’s remarks. 

Njagagua praised Ruku for what he termed an exemplary performance in his new Cabinet role, calling him one of the most effective CSs in the current administration.

He rallied locals to support Leonard Wa Muthende, saying his election would guarantee continuity of the development agenda Ruku began as MP.

The Mbeere North by-election is scheduled for November 27, with political temperatures in the constituency continuing to rise as the race draws national attention.