NAIROBI, Kenya- Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku is facing growing criticism over a series of remarks that critics say risk deepening ethnic divisions in a country where national leaders are constitutionally expected to promote unity and cohesion.
The Public Service Cabinet Secretary, who holds one of the most influential positions in government, has repeatedly made statements challenging the idea of a united Mt Kenya political identity, arguing that communities within the region should assert separate identities.
His comments have sparked debate over whether a sitting Cabinet Secretary should be championing regional inclusion or drawing lines between communities.
The latest controversy erupted in Meru, where Ruku, in the presence of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, declared: “We are not Kikuyus.”
The statement, delivered during a public gathering, was interpreted by critics as a direct challenge to the idea of Mt Kenya unity, a political identity built over decades around shared history, cultural ties and common interests among communities living around the mountain.
A CS Fueling Division?
Critics argue that Ruku’s remarks are particularly concerning because they are not coming from an ordinary politician but from a Cabinet Secretary, a state officer entrusted with serving all Kenyans regardless of ethnic background.
They argue that a Cabinet Secretary’s role is to unite citizens, strengthen national cohesion and implement government policy, not advance narratives that could deepen ethnic competition.
The Constitution of Kenya requires public officers to uphold national values and principles of governance, including national unity, inclusiveness, equality and protection of marginalised groups.
Those questioning Ruku’s comments say his position demands a higher standard of responsibility because his words carry the weight of government.
Who Does Ruku Speak For?
The biggest question emerging from the controversy is whether Ruku is articulating a broader feeling among smaller Mt Kenya communities or advancing a personal political agenda.
The Mt Kenya region is home to several communities, including the Kikuyu, Meru, Embu, Mbeere and Tharaka, each with distinct histories and identities.
For years, some leaders from smaller communities have complained that the regional political identity has often been dominated by Kikuyu interests because of population size and historical political influence.
Ruku’s argument appears to draw from this sentiment — that communities within Mt Kenya should not be politically defined under one umbrella.
However, critics say the manner and tone of the debate matter, warning that seeking recognition for smaller communities should not come through language that appears to pit communities against each other.
The Mountain’s Shared Story
The push to separate Mt Kenya politically faces a difficult reality. The communities around the mountain are connected by deep cultural, linguistic and historical ties.
The Kikuyu, Embu and Meru communities share Bantu origins, related dialects, similar cultural practices and centuries of interaction.
They have also shared political struggles, including resistance against colonial rule, land grievances, economic questions and national leadership contests.
For generations, the idea of Mt Kenya has represented not only ethnicity but also a collective political bargaining strategy.
Supporters of regional unity argue that fragmentation could weaken the Mountain’s influence nationally by reducing its ability to negotiate as a bloc.
The Political Timing
Ruku’s comments come at a politically charged moment.
The Mt Kenya region has become the centre of a major political contest following the fallout between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Gachagua has increasingly positioned himself as a defender of Mt Kenya interests, pushing the argument that the region needs a united voice to protect its political influence.
The government, meanwhile, has been working to rebuild support in the region through appointments, development initiatives and engagement with local leaders.
Against this backdrop, calls to redefine or divide the Mountain have acquired a deeper political meaning.
Can the Mountain Be Divided?
Political analysts say communities can embrace distinct identities while still maintaining shared interests, but attempts to create permanent political separation may prove difficult.
The 2022 General Election already demonstrated that Mt Kenya is not politically uniform.
Voters across the region made different choices based on political alliances, personalities and local concerns.
However, analysts warn that identity debates require careful handling because careless rhetoric can transform legitimate conversations about representation into ethnic competition.