Mbeere South MCAs accuse CS Ruku of intimidation in escalating political row

Led by Mavuria Ward MCA Ngari Mbaka, the ward representatives accused Ruku of threatening their political careers over their alleged reluctance to support President William Ruto's administration.

Mbaka warned the CS against using his position in government to intimidate elected leaders, insisting that the people of Mbeere South have the democratic right to elect leaders of their choice without interference.

He accused Ruku of engaging in political chest-thumping and attempting to impose his preferred political positions on grassroots leaders.

Makima MCA Phillip Nzangi echoed the sentiments, declaring that he would not be coerced into supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Nzangi cautioned that continued political confrontations could deepen divisions among leaders in Embu County as political alignments begin taking shape ahead of the next General Election.

Kiambere MCA Lenny Masters also took issue with Ruku's alleged treatment of ward representatives, accusing him of belittling MCAs and referring to them as "knuckleheads."

Masters maintained that holding a Cabinet position did not give Ruku the authority to dictate the political future of elected representatives or determine who should occupy elective seats.

Nominated MCA Jane Karimi, meanwhile, urged leaders from Mbeere North to steer clear of Mbeere South's political affairs, warning against attempts to influence the constituency's leadership choices.

She argued that political intimidation could further strain relations between grassroots leaders and national government officials.

Speaking separately during Mashujaa Day celebrations on Tuesday, Mbeti South MCA Murithi Kiura also accused Ruku of disrespecting ward representatives.

Kiura said the respect accorded to the Cabinet Secretary should not be interpreted as political submission, warning that the MCAs were prepared to confront him politically if the disagreements persisted.

The ward representatives further cautioned that continued hostility towards grassroots leaders could strain relations within the ruling administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

The accusations point to emerging political differences among leaders in Embu County as competing interests begin to shape local political alignments.

Ruku's response to the allegations was not immediately available.