CS Ruku pushes for Mt Kenya East autonomy, cites decades of marginalisation

A section of leaders from Mt Kenya East is calling for autonomy from the larger Mt Kenya region, accusing successive governments of neglecting the area for decades.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who is championing the proposal, said the eastern region has been sidelined since independence through unequal distribution of development, leadership opportunities and public resources.

Speaking at Kirindine Secondary School in Igembe South, Ruku said Mt Kenya East had played a key role in the country's liberation struggle but had not received its fair share of development.

Flanked by Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi and Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, the CS vowed to push for the division of Mt Kenya into eastern and western blocs, arguing that the move would help the region secure equitable development.

"But now some people are chanting 'one term', saying the government is bad, calling out 'one term', and using slogans such as 'Kasongo' and 'Soprano'. We are telling them: stop the propaganda."