Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has criticized opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua, saying the outcome of the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election has exposed the fragility of his self-proclaimed dominance in Mt Kenya politics.
Speaking at Suneka Catholic Parish in Bonchari, Kisii County, during a community fellowship under the Catholic MPs’ Spiritual Support Initiative, Ruku said the by-election results clearly demonstrated that Kenyans were rejecting leaders who rely on divisive, region-based political strategies.
Ruku told the congregation that Gachagua’s claims of being the Mt Kenya kingpin were unconvincing and unsupported by the electorate. “Gachagua has been chest-thumping and installing himself as the Mt Kenya kingpin, but the people have spoken loudly. His kingship is self-made and unsupported. Mbeere North proved that,” he said, adding that voters had chosen unity, peace, and development over confrontational politics.
He stressed that Kenyans had moved past the era of hatred-driven campaigns, affirming that the country’s unity was non-negotiable. “The politics of hatred and division are behind us. Kenya is one nation, and nobody—absolutely nobody—will succeed in dividing it,” he said.
Ruku further criticized leaders he accused of exploiting regional identity for personal gain, saying such politics no longer resonate with a population focused on progress. “We must not allow a few individuals to mislead communities for their selfish interests. Kenyans are tired, and they want development, not constant conflict,” he noted.
He praised the residents of Mbeere North for what he described as political maturity, saying their voting pattern reflected a desire for stability and meaningful progress. “Our people chose peace, development and continuity over noise. They sent a message not just to Gachagua but to every leader who believes negativity wins votes,” he said.
Despite his strong criticism, Ruku extended an olive branch to those who lost the election, assuring them that President William Ruto’s government remains broad-based and accommodating. He encouraged Kenyans to rally behind the administration’s development agenda, saying national unity was key to achieving long-term goals.
Ruku also urged young people to refuse to be manipulated by politicians. He cited cases where youth were mobilised to block polling stations under the guise of “protecting votes,” warning that such actions were often driven by selfish political motives.
He concluded by calling on Kenyans to reject divisive narratives and safeguard national cohesion, saying, “Let’s protect our unity. Let’s protect our future.”
