CS Ruku slams opposition over attacks on elected leaders

CS Ruku faulted the opposition convoy led by impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accusing them of using their political platform to insult duly elected leaders and misrepresent government development efforts.

Speaking after a Sunday Service in Embu, the Cabinet Secretary accused the opposition of orchestrating a campaign based on bitterness, vengeance, and disinformation rather than tangible policy alternatives. He pointed to the leaders' public addresses in Makutano, Kiritiri, Runyenjes, and Embu Town, where they claimed no government projects were ongoing, even as they stood next to major infrastructural developments.

“They insulted Engineer Nebart Muriuki, the MP for Mbeere South; Eric Muchangi, MP for Runyenjes; and even went further to insult Governors Cecily Mbarire and Anne Waiguru, all elected and respected leaders who continue to serve their people without engaging in petty sideshows,” said Ruku.

He noted the irony of opposition leaders decrying lack of development while standing near multi-million-shilling projects, including the Makutano ESP Modern Market (85% complete), Machang’a County Aggregation and Industrial Park (90% complete), Ishiara ESP Market (95% complete), Karurumo Market in Runyenjes, and the ongoing Embu Town ESP Market (over 65% complete).

Ruku further accused the opposition of instigating violence, referencing the chaos in Runyenjes where a private gun holder allegedly discharged a firearm and an elected MP was seen chasing a crowd while wielding a crude weapon.

“This is shameful. Leaders must rise above political theatrics and set an example for peace, especially as we approach the Mbeere North by-election,” he added.

The CS urged the opposition to engage in peaceful and issue-based campaigns, stating that the people of Mbeere North had already made up their minds to vote for UDA candidate Leo Muriuki wa Muthende, whom he described as a continuation of visionary leadership in the constituency he represented before his elevation to a Cabinet Secretary.

He praised the Imarisha Elimu programme, which he said has significantly improved academic performance in local schools, and accused the opposition of attempting to block bursary distribution, citing remarks made by former Attorney General Justin Muturi.

“This is the kind of politics Kenyans must reject, politics that seeks to deny children education and development just to score points against the government,” said the CS.

Highlighting ongoing national projects in the region, CS Ruku cited the improvement of the Gikuyari–Kirii–Ishiara road, which has already been advertised for tarmacking, and accelerated efforts under the Last Mile Connectivity Project to light up rural villages, a move aimed at improving safety, particularly for school-going children.

On public service reforms, Ruku warned that the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, will take stern action against rogue HR directors involved in the manipulation of the government payroll system to award illegal promotions, tax exemptions and allowances to cronies.

“We will be working very closely with the EACC to ensure that taxpayers' money is protected and that public service remains a place of merit, not corruption,” he emphasized.

He concluded by calling on all leaders, regardless of political affiliation, to put the people first and avoid sowing seeds of division and violence.