CS Ruku challenges Kiama Kiama elders to denounce Gachagua’s ‘hatred’ against Mt Kenya East

Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Geoffrey Ruku has urged the Kiama Kiama Council of Elders to distance itself from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s alleged “hatred” narrative against the people of Mt Kenya East.

Ruku said the elders should publicly denounce Gachagua’s remarks if they did not share his position, warning that their silence would only fuel calls to politically and economically delink Mt Kenya East from Mt Kenya West.

Speaking on Sunday in Thagichu, Mwingi North, Kitui County, the CS said the Kiama Kiama elders should follow the example of the Njuri Ncheke elders, who, he said, had previously taken a stand against statements they considered divisive.

“If the Kiama Kiama Council of Elders is not part of the rebuke orchestrated by Gachagua against the people of Mt Kenya East, let them come out and denounce it,” Ruku said.

He warned that the campaign to delink Mt Kenya East from Mt Kenya West would be difficult to stop if the elders failed to speak out.

Ruku said Mt Kenya East would not retreat from its demand for greater political and economic recognition, arguing that the region also played a significant role in Kenya’s struggle for independence.

He said the Mau Mau struggle was not the preserve of the Kikuyu from Mt Kenya West, insisting that Mt Kenya East also made sacrifices in the fight for independence and therefore deserved to enjoy its benefits.

The CS also urged residents of Mt Kenya West to be cautious about Gachagua’s politics, describing him as a political conman who failed to deliver when he had the opportunity to serve in government.

Ruku further praised his Cabinet colleague Mutahi Kagwe for supporting the Mt Kenya East cause.

Speaking to a local radio station, Kagwe backed Ruku’s position, saying Mt Kenya West should support Professor Kithure Kindiki, who comes from Mt Kenya East.

Ruku also called for stronger cooperation between the Government and the Church, urging religious leaders to work with the Government in addressing challenges facing communities.

He challenged parents and adults to be role models to children, saying the values imparted to young people would shape the country’s future.

The CS also urged Kenyans to respect Government and lawful authority, citing the Bible as a basis for obedience to those in authority.

On service delivery, Ruku pledged to fast-track the implementation and operationalisation of Thagichu Sub-County to facilitate the smooth running of Government offices and improve access to public services.

The CS also absolved the National Government of blame over shortages of drugs in public hospitals, putting the responsibility on county governments to ensure health facilities are adequately stocked.

Ruku said governors must ensure hospitals within their counties are properly managed and medicines are available.

“SHA could be working, but when you get hospitals without drugs, it is the responsibility of the governors to ensure the hospitals in their counties are managed properly,” he said.