CS Ruku revives Mt Kenya East-West debate after Ol Kalou vote

‎Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has reignited the debate over the political future of the Mt Kenya region after declaring that Mt Kenya East no longer cares about the political affairs of Mt Kenya West.

‎Ruku's remarks came in the wake of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, where provisional results, yet to be confirmed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), showed the DCP candidate taking a commanding lead over the UDA candidate.

‎In a series of posts on social media Thursday night, Ruku appeared to distance the counties of Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi from the politics of Nyeri, Murang'a, Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Nyandarua.

‎"We as Mt. Kenya East do not care what happens in Mt. Kenya West," Ruku posted.

‎In another message, he declared: "We don't care! We're Mt. Kenya East!"

‎He further wrote: "Mambo ya West kutukulia kwa mfuko kama njugu karanga imekwisha. Liberation has come early."

‎Although Ruku did not directly mention the Ol Kalou by-election, the comments were widely interpreted as a reaction to the provisional outcome of the contest in Nyandarua County, which has been viewed as a political battleground between President William Ruto's allies and supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

‎The latest remarks mirror sentiments Ruku expressed last month when he publicly called for a political separation between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West.

‎Speaking during a church service in Igembe Central, Meru County, on June 13, the CS argued that leaders from Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi had for years been overshadowed politically despite their contribution to the country's development and the struggle for independence.

‎"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.

‎He further argued that if leaders from Mt Kenya West could not support Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's future political ambitions, then the region should chart separate political paths.

‎"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," Ruku said.

‎His earlier remarks sparked criticism from leaders within the Kenya Kwanza administration.

‎Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira rejected the proposal to divide the region, saying Mt Kenya had historically advanced politically by remaining united.

‎Speaking in Narumoru on June 15, Wachira said residents should remain united behind President William Ruto's re-election bid before rallying behind a common successor in 2032.

‎He argued that Mt Kenya East had benefited significantly whenever leaders from the wider Mt Kenya region held power, citing appointments of senior government officials, including former Cabinet ministers Njeru Ndwiga, Kiraitu Murungi and David Mwiraria, as well as former Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura.

‎The renewed debate comes as political realignments continue to take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the Ol Kalou by-election expected to influence the region's political discourse once the IEBC officially announces the final results.