EMBU, Kenya — Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has cautioned residents of Mbeere against embracing clan-based politics, warning that such divisions could undermine development and weaken community unity.
Speaking during the handover of a Sh38 million modern school complex at Katheru Primary School in Mbeere North, constructed through support from Safaricom Foundation, Ruku urged residents to evaluate leaders based on their development agenda rather than clan affiliations or sectional interests.
The Cabinet Secretary said sustainable progress in the region depends on unity and collective action, arguing that politics anchored on clan loyalties risks derailing development gains.
“Residents should support leaders who have a clear development agenda and practical solutions to improve livelihoods rather than those promoting division,” he said.
Without directly referring to the 2027 General Election, Ruku criticized former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, accusing him of advancing divisive politics and misleading the Mbeere community.
He claimed that some leaders had failed to champion programmes capable of transforming the lives of ordinary wananchi, instead focusing on political mobilization that offers little benefit to residents.
Ruku challenged aspiring leaders to present their development records and policy proposals to voters rather than relying on ethnic or clan-based campaigns.
The Cabinet Secretary also took aim at former Cabinet Secretaries Peter Munya and Fred Matiang’i, accusing them of pursuing personal political interests while overlooking government development achievements.
According to Ruku, opposition figures have consistently failed to acknowledge progress made under the administration of President William Ruto, opting instead for political criticism.
He defended the Kenya Kwanza administration’s performance, citing investments in education, road infrastructure, water projects, agriculture, and social protection programmes.
Ruku argued that ongoing government initiatives are already delivering tangible benefits to communities and maintained that the administration’s development footprint compares favourably with previous governments since independence.
He further pointed to partnerships between government institutions and private sector organizations, including Safaricom Foundation, as evidence of efforts to improve public services and create opportunities for young people.
The CS urged residents to embrace issue-based politics and support leaders focused on service delivery, unity, and development.
“The future of the region depends on leadership that places the interests of wananchi first and promotes inclusive development rather than division,” he said.
