MBEERE, Kenya — Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has publicly accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of actively inciting Kenyans against the current administration.
Speaking during an education and public engagement forum in Mbeere North, CS Ruku acknowledged that the former Head of State is constitutionally entitled to express his views and offer counsel to the sitting President. However, Ruku insisted that Kenyatta is crossing a line into active, partisan politics.
“What the former President is doing is not just offering advice, it’s engaging in opposition politics and inciting Kenyans against a legitimately elected government,” Ruku stated.
The Cabinet Secretary urged the former President to respect the office of the sitting President and emulate his predecessors, the late Daniel Arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, by adopting the role of a statesman.
Echoing Ruku’s strong stance, Muriuki Njagagua, former Mbeere North MP and recently appointed special advisor to President Ruto, added a severe warning.
Njagagua suggested that Kenyatta risks losing his retirement benefits if he continues to engage in partisan political activities, citing the relevant provisions of the Pension Benefits Act.
Ruku also directly countered Kenyatta’s recent critique of health policy, clarifying that the popular “Linda Mama” maternal health program was not abolished but was instead expanded and replaced by “Linda Jamii,” a broader initiative designed to cover entire families.
The CS defended the current administration’s fiscal approach, noting, “The current administration has had to make tough, and at times unpopular, decisions aimed at transforming the country. But we are committed to fulfilling our promises through development initiatives across Kenya.”
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Domestically, the CS used the forum to address local political criticisms and rivalries. He refuted recent claims of underdevelopment by former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti by citing major government-funded projects, including the three-billion-shilling Kanyuambora–Kamumu–Kageeri Road and the Kanyuambora Irrigation Project, both launched in the area.
Furthermore, Ruku launched a sharp attack against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He accused Gachagua of disrespecting the people of Mbeere by allegedly making derogatory comments suggesting they are incapable of sustainable businesses and survive on handouts.
The CS also condemned the former Deputy President’s silence on the controversy surrounding Muguka, a gazetted crop that serves as the economic backbone for the Mbeere local community.
Both Ruku and Njagagua rallied support for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Leonard Muriuki (Wa Muthende), in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election, asserting that locals are discerning and will continue to support the ruling party to ensure continued development.