Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Energy Principal Secretary Wachira have differed publicly over calls to politically split the Mt Kenya region, underscoring growing divisions within government ahead of the 2027 elections.
CS Ruku has, in recent days, intensified calls for the Mt Kenya East counties of Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu to reconsider their political alignment with Mt Kenya West counties.
On Sunday, Ruku took a hardline stance, alleging that leaders from the Kikuyu community had sidelined those from Embu and Meru, and arguing that the two regions should “split up”.
He said leaders from Mt Kenya East played a significant role in the independence struggle under the Mau Mau movement, but claimed their contribution to Kenya’s liberation has not been adequately recognised by Mt Kenya West.
Ruku further alleged that some Mt Kenya West leaders have historically used Mt Kenya East as a political stepping stone during elections, only to abandon the region after securing power and return during subsequent campaigns.
“I want to categorically state that Merus are not Kikuyus. When professionals from Kiambu or Murang’a get jobs, it is said the Mountain has gotten its share. How is that possible?” he said during a church service at AIPCA St Dominic KK Mau in Igembe Central, Meru County.
“The time has come, we divorce as a mountain because if you do not support our son Kithure Kindiki and we have supported you all along, then clearly let’s split the mountain,” he added.
In response, PS Wachira cautioned the CS against calls for division, saying such remarks risk sowing discord among communities and that the region has historically benefited from unity.
He cited the Kibaki administration, noting that Meru leaders held several senior government positions during the period.
“Mheshimiwa Ruku, I listened to you keenly yesterday. I want to remind you that Mwai Kibaki was in power since you mentioned him, and he hails from here in Nyeri. The person he appointed as Head of Public Service, Francis Muthaura, was from Meru,” the PS said.
He added: “Finance Minister was Daudi Mwirari and Energy Minister was Kiraitu Murungi, both from Meru, with the region getting six PS slots. The minister for Cooperatives was Njeru Ndwiga from Embu.”
The PS described the calls for political separation as unacceptable, insisting that the Mt Kenya region is stronger when united.
“Therefore, speaking in public and calling for the region to be split twice; that one we reject, reject and reject in broad daylight,” Wachira said.
The exchange comes amid visible political realignments in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, which overwhelmingly supported President William Ruto in the last elections but is now showing signs of shifting political loyalties ahead of 2027.
Tensions in the region have also been linked to political developments following the impeachment of then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in 2024, and the subsequent appointment of Prof. Kithure Kindiki as his replacement.
Last month, President Ruto acknowledged the shifting political landscape in the region, saying his political future lies in the hands of voters and that support cannot be taken for granted.
“My knees are for my God; submission is to the subjects, and it is not a must that one gets their votes. The people will decide either way… There are no Mt Kenya votes you carry in your pockets,” Ruto said in Maragua, Murang’a county.
