CS Ruku dismisses NYS corruption claims, rallies Mt. Kenya against division

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has strongly dismissed claims of fresh corruption at the National Youth Service (NYS), assuring Kenyans that the institution is stable, accountable and operating fully within its mandate to benefit young people.

Ruku said reports carried by sections of the media alleging another graft scandal at NYS are misleading and based on historical issues dating back to between 2013 and 2016.

He maintained that the allegations do not reflect the current state of affairs at the youth training institution.

Speaking in Gatundu North Constituency, Kiambu County, while commissioning the Kamwangi Huduma Centre, the CS said that upon assuming office, his ministry took decisive action to seal loopholes at NYS.

This, he said, included halting the payment of pending bills to allow for thorough verification and accountability.

According to Ruku, the ministry raised concerns over ballooning pending bills at NYS and formally requested the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to verify their legitimacy. A forensic audit that followed exposed the fictitious pending bills.

“The government will not pay fictitious bills or claims for goods and services that were never delivered,” Ruku said, adding that there is no cause for alarm at NYS.

He noted that the ministry is working closely with the Judiciary to ensure public funds are protected and called on the media to report accurately on the matter to avoid misleading the public.

The CS assured Kenyans that NYS is today operating effectively within its mandate, offering disciplined paramilitary training and imparting critical skills to thousands of young people across the country.

He further revealed that thousands more youths will be recruited into the service next month as part of the government’s commitment to skills development and youth empowerment.

Overall, Ruku maintained that NYS is stable, transparent and working for the benefit of Kenyan youth, while the government remains focused on unity, service delivery and equitable development across the country.

Beyond NYS, Ruku said the government is keen on taking services closer to the people, noting that at least 60 Huduma Centres have so far been established across the country, with more planned.

Huduma Kenya CEO Ben Chilumo echoed the remarks, saying additional centres will be opened to bring key government services closer to wananchi.

On the ongoing drought, the CS assured Kenyans affected by harsh climatic conditions that the government has sufficient food reserves and will not allow any citizen to suffer due to hunger.

Turning to politics, Ruku urged residents of the Mt Kenya region to remain united and reject attempts by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and others to divide them along tribal or political lines.

He warned against leaders he accused of pursuing selfish interests and thriving on division.

He affirmed that President William Ruto and Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki are the undisputed leaders steering the political direction of the Mt Kenya region.

He also assured residents that Prof. Kindiki will remain Deputy President through the 2027 General Election and beyond.

Ruku added that President Ruto will rule until 2032, after which he will hand over leadership to his deputy, whom he said will then serve two terms.

He further revealed that from next month, President Ruto will embark on development tours across the country, noting that the government has mobilised enough resources to complete stalled projects.

Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge alias Kururia, who accompanied the CS, said the Mt Kenya region is now rallying behind President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration to benefit from development.