NAIROBI, Kenya — Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku has appeared before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to respond to questions over remarks linked to rising political tensions and ethnic divisions in the Mt Kenya region.
Ruku appeared before the commission on Tuesday and said he was obliged, as a state officer, to submit himself to constitutional institutions whenever required.
Speaking after the session, the Cabinet Secretary described his engagement with the commissioners as cordial and said several issues surrounding his remarks had been clarified.
“As a state officer and public servant, I have to subject myself to all the constitutional institutions. And that’s why I came. And we had very cordial and good discussions this morning with the entire commission,” Ruku said.
He added that the discussions had helped clarify outstanding concerns and that the two sides were moving in a positive direction.
NCIC to review Ruku’s responses
NCIC Vice Chair Irene Chepoisho Tulel said the commission would review and analyse the issues raised during Ruku’s appearance before making a determination.
“The Commission will be retreating to assess and analyse the discussions that we’ve had. And then we’ll give our determination next week,” Tulel said.
She added that Ruku would be contacted once the commission had reached a decision on the way forward.
The commission’s findings could determine whether further action is warranted over the remarks that prompted the summons.
Ruku’s Mt Kenya remarks
The controversy surrounding Ruku centres on his position that political loyalties within the wider Mt Kenya region should change to prioritise development in Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi.
Ruku has argued that communities in Mt Kenya East have supported leaders from the western side of the region for decades without receiving development commensurate with that political support.
He has suggested that the eastern counties should pursue a more independent political path while allowing the western side of the mountain to make its own political choices.
“I will divide the mountain because I want to get my people’s development. I will leave the West, which has already been developed, to go to the opposition. I cannot allow the East to lack development,” Ruku said in remarks that attracted widespread attention.
The comments have sparked debate over whether political mobilisation along regional or ethnic lines could deepen divisions at a time when political parties are positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election.
Ruku’s appearance before the NCIC is therefore being viewed against a wider debate over political rhetoric, ethnic cohesion and the responsibilities of public officials.
NCIC summons several political leaders
Ruku was not the only political figure summoned by the commission this week.
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma appeared before the NCIC a day earlier, while Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was questioned later that evening.
The commission is also expected to summon nominated MP Joseph Wainaina over remarks he made in Uasin Gishu that have been interpreted by critics as threatening the peaceful coexistence of different communities in the region.
Wainaina has faced growing scrutiny over the remarks, with questions emerging about whether they amounted to incitement or hate speech.
Wamuchomba threatens to leave UDA
The controversy surrounding Wainaina has also triggered tension within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Wamuchomba has questioned what she describes as the selective enforcement of laws against hate speech, arguing that political figures aligned with the government should face the same scrutiny as opposition leaders.
She has specifically called for action over Wainaina’s remarks and previously criticised Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over comments she said were offensive to the Kikuyu community.
Wamuchomba has warned that she could lead like-minded leaders out of government if her concerns are not addressed.
