CS Ruku honours NCIC summons, maintains push for Mt. Kenya East autonomy

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku on Tuesday appeared before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over allegations of hate speech, ethnic incitement and utterances that threaten to divide the nation. 

While clarifying his remarks, CS Ruku reiterated his push for a split in Mt. Kenya, saying that the East region has been marginalised for over six decades while supporting leaders emanating from Mt. Kenya West. 

He noted that the Mt. Kenya East region must take a different political position if it is to secure development ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

"It is equally a matter of fact that Mt. Kenya East will no longer unconditionally stand with other regions.  We will do so in our own terms and conditions, irrespective of whether we're working with our West counterparts or the rest of Kenya," he posted on his X account after the NCIC meeting.

He called on those offended by his utterances over Mt. Kenya East unity to independently advocate for their interests. 

“We have not breached peace or cohesion in the country by demanding respect and what we are owed as development for the past decades. Those offended by our agitation as Mt. Kenya East can equally agitate independently and peaceably. We will not relent in our goal,” he reaffirmed. 

Mt. Kenya East region comprises three counties primarily Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru while Mt. Kenya West holds the larger share of the wider Central region voting bloc with Nyeri, Kiambu, Murang'a, Kirinyaga and Nyandarua counties. 

Historically, the Mt. Kenya West region has produced three former presidents including Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.  

Ruku is the latest political figure to appear before the commission as it reviews public utterances by politicians considered to be divisive ahead of the 2027 polls.

Other politicians who have honoured the NCIC summons include Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma and Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia.