NCIC orders CS Ruku to publicly withdraw 'divisive ethnic' remarks within 7 days

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has ordered Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku to publicly withdraw remarks it found to be divisive and ethnically inflammatory, giving him seven days to communicate his acceptance or proposed changes to the corrective measures.

The commission said Ruku’s remarks made at Kiang’ondu, Tharaka Nithi County, in July 2026 crossed the line from legitimate advocacy for identity and equitable development into divisive ethnic generalisation and collective blame.

NCIC said the remarks included references to Kikuyu people, allegations that people from Mt. Kenya West believed Kenya belonged to them, and the use of ethnic surnames to link one community to development and public appointments.

“The Commission finds that Hon. Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku’s remarks at Kiang’ondu, Tharaka Nithi County, in July 2026 crossed from legitimate advocacy for identity and equitable development into divisive ethnic generalisation and collective blame,” read a statement by NCIC Chairperson Bishop Dr. Kepha Nyamweya Omae on Wednesday.

“The remarks undermined equal dignity and harmonious relations and fell below the restraint and responsibility expected of a Cabinet Secretary.”

The commission also considered repeated references to stepping on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s neck until he had no room to “breathe”.

While appearing before the commission on September 1, 2026, the CS had admitted making the remarks but argued that the Constitution protects distinct ethnic identities and allows communities to demand equitable development and public appointments.

He denied harbouring ill will towards Kikuyu people and told the commission that the reference to stepping on Gachagua’s neck was figurative political language referring to political defeat rather than physical injury.

However, NCIC found that the remarks amounted to collective ethnic blame, saying references to Kikuyu people and ethnic surnames had turned institutional grievances into blame against an entire community.

The commission said Ruku’s position as a Cabinet Secretary also required greater restraint because of the influence and authority attached to his office.

Under the proposed remedial measures, Ruku is required to withdraw publicly, in both Kiswahili and English, allegations that Kikuyu people regard Kenya as their property or are collectively responsible for disparities in development and public appointments.

He is also required to affirm equal citizenship, dignity and freedom of political choice for all communities while recognising their right to preserve distinct identities.

“Ruku must withdraw publicly, in Kiswahili and English, the collective allegations that Kikuyu people regard Kenya as their property or are collectively responsible for inequitable development and appointments. The wording must be issued jointly with, or approved by, the Commission,” NCIC stated.

NCIC further wants Ruku to participate in discussions on verified disparities and institutional remedies, as well as a commission-facilitated dialogue on equitable development and inclusive appointments.

The commission also directed that his proposed peace caravan be developed as a non-partisan initiative involving communities from Mt. Kenya East and West.

Ruku will additionally be required to organise and fund a restorative peacebuilding and social cohesion activity, subject to approval by NCIC.

The commission acknowledged Ruku’s subsequent peace efforts, including the return of a symbolic axe, acceptance of a flywhisk and a planned peace caravan, describing them as “genuine and substantial first steps towards reconciliation,” but said the actions do not erase its adverse findings or complete the corrective process.

NCIC further ordered for an audit of ethnic diversity in national public establishments to determine whether institutions are complying with legal requirements on representation.

The commission said it had not established the actual compliance position of any specific institution and that this would require verification using official staffing and appointment records rather than assumptions based on surnames.

According to NCIC, the findings and immediate cessation notice remain in force regardless of whether Ruku accepts the proposed conciliation terms.

It warned that if conciliation fails or agreed measures are not implemented, it will take further lawful action in accordance with the National Cohesion and Integration Act.