EMBU, Kenya — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has distanced himself from reports that he publicly chastised Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku during a consultative meeting with elders in Mbeere North, Embu County, over the weekend.
In a social media statement on Monday, Kindiki dismissed the reports as “desperate, mischievous and utterly malicious,” clarifying that his comments had been misinterpreted and were not directed at CS Ruku.
“Seen a desperate, mischievous and utterly malicious twist insinuating that I lectured and disrespected my neighbour CS Geoffrey Ruku, my friend for years. FALSEHOOD is cheap,” Kindiki posted.
The Deputy President said his remarks were aimed at a former Cabinet Secretary from the same region, along with other past leaders who, he claimed, failed to uphold the principle of collective government responsibility.
Seen a desperate, mischevious and utterly malicious twist insinuating that I lectured and disrepected my neighbour CS Geoffrey Ruku, my friend for years.FALSEHOOD is cheap.My remark being discussed referred to a former Cabinet Secretary from the same area and other ex-leaders
During the Saturday meeting, Kindiki appeared to take issue with CS Ruku’s call for the government to tarmac the Gikuyari–Ishiara road — a long-standing demand from residents.
In a moment captured on video, the DP seemed to school Ruku, reminding him that as a Cabinet Secretary, he should champion government programs instead of voicing complaints.
“You are no longer an MP. You are a CS. You cannot be a minister and instead of telling people where government programmes have reached, you come here to incite and complain,” Kindiki said during the event. “If you want to complain, out. If you want to fight for development, in.”
However, amid growing debate online and within political circles, Kindiki issued a clarification, insisting that his remarks were not targeted at his longtime ally.
“My remarks… referred to a former Cabinet Secretary from the same area and other ex-leaders who manifested similar conduct, to affirm that governments worldwide operate on the principle of collective responsibility,” he said.
DP Kindiki to CS Ruku: Heshimu hiyo bendera na utetee serikali… You cannot complain like normal Kenyans when you are a cabinet secretary
The incident has highlighted internal tensions within President William Ruto’s administration, especially as leaders from vote-rich regions seek to assert development demands ahead of key by-elections and ongoing budget talks.
CS Ruku had earlier praised the government’s development strides in Embu but also relayed concerns from elders about the delayed tarmacking of the Gikuyari–Ishiara road, prompting Kindiki’s sharp response.
Local elders at the meeting later declared their support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, signaling political unity despite the flare-up.
