CS Ruku dismisses ‘One-Term’ chants, defends Ruto’s development record

Speaking in Runyenjes, Embu County, Ruku said the slogan is being pushed to poison public opinion against President William Ruto and leaders aligned to his administration, despite what he described as visible development projects across the country.

“The ‘one-term’ politics is not about development. It is the politics of hatred. It is being pushed by people who have nothing to show but anger and division,” Ruku said.

He accused the impeached former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua, of orchestrating divisive rhetoric against the government, arguing that the campaign ignores the realities on the ground.

Ruku pointed to regions that previously lacked basic infrastructure, saying areas that had neither electricity nor tarmac roads before President Ruto took office have since benefited from government investments.

“How do you explain people shouting ‘one term’ in places that never had power or roads before, yet today they enjoy these services? This is not reasoned politics. It is hatred being injected into wananchi,” he added.

The cabinet secretary defended President Ruto’s leadership, saying the country is experiencing steady economic recovery alongside expanded infrastructure development. He said the president remains focused on the needs of ordinary Kenyans and inclusive growth.

Ruku also weighed in on Mt Kenya East politics, reiterating his support for political independence in the region while calling for unity and mutual respect among leaders.

He urged leaders to rally behind Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki, whom he described as the legitimate political leader of the Mt Kenya region, while accusing Gachagua of promoting confrontational politics that threaten unity.

“Mt Kenya does not need politics of insults and hatred. Our future lies in unity, respect and supporting development-focused leadership,” Ruku said.

He called on leaders and residents to reject divisive narratives and instead judge the government on its development record and service delivery.

Ruku further dismissed claims of ethnic exclusion, saying all communities living in Mt Kenya East have a right to be there and deserve equal services like other Kenyans.