Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku on Tuesday, September 1 appeared before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to respond to concerns surrounding remarks that have been linked to growing political tensions in the Mt Kenya region.
Ruku appeared before the commission on Tuesday, September 1, where he was questioned over statements he made regarding political alignments and development priorities in the region.
Speaking after the session, the Cabinet Secretary said he was obligated, as a state officer, to appear before constitutional institutions whenever required.
He described his engagement with the NCIC commissioners as cordial, saying the discussions helped resolve several issues that had remained unclear.
“As a state officer and public servant, I have to subject myself to all the constitutional institutions. And that's why I came. And we had very cordial and good discussions this morning with the entire commission,” CS Ruku stated.
“And we have clarified where we needed to clarify. And we are moving in a very good direction. Thank you.”
Ruku said the discussions had left the two sides with greater clarity and expressed optimism that the matter was progressing in the right direction.
NCIC Vice Chair Irene Chepoisho Tulel, however, said the commission would first review and analyse the issues raised during the meeting before announcing its position.
“The Commission will be retreating to assess and analyse the discussions that we've had. And then we'll give our determination next week. So we'll be calling you next week to give you on the way forward that the Commission would have decided,” Chepoisho said.
The NCIC summons followed remarks by Ruku in which he advocated for a political realignment within the wider Mt Kenya region, particularly pushing for greater focus on the development interests of Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi.
Ruku has previously argued that communities in Mt Kenya East had supported political leaders from the western side of the region for decades without receiving development gains that matched their political backing.
He has maintained that the eastern counties should pursue their own political interests and development priorities, while the western side of Mt Kenya, which he considers more developed, could choose to align with the opposition.
“I will divide the mountain because I want to get my people's development. I will leave the West, which has already been developed, to go to the opposition. I cannot allow the East to lack development,” CS Ruku stated.
The remarks have attracted attention amid heightened political debate over regional political alliances and the distribution of development resources ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ruku was among several political leaders summoned by the NCIC this week over remarks deemed relevant to national cohesion. Busia Governor Paul Otwoma appeared before the commission a day earlier, while Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was questioned on Tuesday evening.
The commission is also expected to summon nominated MP Joseph Wainaina over remarks he made in Uasin Gishu County, which have raised concerns about their potential impact on relations among different communities living in the region.
The comments have also generated political debate within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has threatened to leave the ruling party unless President William Ruto takes action over what she described as hate speech remarks allegedly made by some of his close allies.
The NCIC is expected to announce its determination on the matters raised during its engagements with the various leaders next week.
