Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku’s calls for a political divorce in the Mt Kenya region has sparked a political storm in the populous region.
In recent days, the CS has intensified calls for the Mt Kenya East
counties of Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu to reconsider their political
alignment with Mt Kenya West counties of Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu and
Kirinyaga.
On June 13, Ruku took a
hardline stance for the umpteenth time, 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.
“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.
The calls appear to have rattled President William Ruto and UDA
supporters and officials in government who hail from the
region, which appears to be drifting
towards the opposition.
Insiders say the constant targeting of the Mt Kenya West region by
senior UDA officials, including the CS, puts them in a tight
spot as it is being perceived as a deliberate policy to isolate the community
with their blessings.
“At times, we are stuck on how to react. Voters in our region think we
are part of a conspiracy to profile and isolate them while in
government. Our silence may be interpreted otherwise,” a PS from Mt Kenya
said. “For now, we just sit and observe.”
Energy PS Alex Wachira became the first senior government official to
take on CS Ruku over his comments, publicly cautioning the CS
against calls for division.
Wachira said such remarks risk sowing discord among communities and
that the region has historically benefited from unity.
“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.
“Finance Minister was David Mwiraria 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.”
Former Kirinyaga Woman Representative Wangui Ngirici also rejected calls
to separate the region into political blocs, saying Mt Kenya had historically
drawn strength from its diversity and unity.
Ngirici maintained that political competition should be based on ideas
and leadership rather than regional fragmentation. “We are going to stand as Mt
Kenya and vote as a bloc,” she said.
Former Igembe North MP Maoka Maore says Ruku’s efforts will turn out to
be counter-productive, arguing that the opposition to Ruto has got nothing to
do with communities but Kenyans who are struggling.
“This is not about Mt Kenya East or West but a general feeling across
the country on how the economy has been handled,” he said.
“Trying to make it a tribal issue, worse still from a Cabinet Secretary,
will turn out to be counterproductive and backfire badly.”
Other than Ruku’s comments, leaders from the region have cited last
month’s remarks by UDA secretary general Hassan Omar as part of the wider
strategy to create a rift between communities ahead of
2027.
DCP executive director Hezron Obaga argues that the debate around Mt
Kenya East and Mt Kenya West is part of a broader political strategy aimed
at weakening the region’s bargaining power ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“This appears to be something that has been planned to divide the Mt
Kenya region,” Obaga says.
Former Agriculture CS Mithika
Linturi questioned Ruku’s authority to speak on behalf of the region,
accusing him of abandoning the electorate that voted him in.
“Ruku, you have no moral authority to speak for Mt Kenya East. You lack
respect,” he said.
“You were elected by the people of Mbeere, served for only two years,
then abandoned your seat to become a Cabinet Secretary. You were
elected for just two years and now you want to lecture us.”
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has added its
voice to concerns of ethnic balkanisation ahead of 2027, calling for sobriety
among leaders to ensure peace prevails.
“As the country navigates its current political terrain, the
NCIC calls for a decisive return to issues-based politics and not personality
politics,” NCIC chair Kepha Omae says.
“Citizens deserve political discourse anchored in policy, governance and
public good, not ethnicity, hatred or fear.”
