Speaking in Mbeere North during an education empowerment programme, CS Ruku condemned Gachagua’s recent comments suggesting that Mt Kenya leaders lack credibility.
He described the statements as “uncalled for and unbecoming” of someone who once occupied the country’s second-highest office.
“There is no single leader in Mt Kenya who lacks credibility. All our leaders have merit, substance, and serve their people diligently,” Ruku said, addressing residents at Cieria, Kìrie, Kabùbua, and Kanyuambora.
“Those are not words expected from someone who claims to represent the interests of the mountain.”
The Cabinet Secretary accused the former Deputy President of hypocrisy, claiming that Gachagua frequently associates with the same leaders he now disparages.
“Let him not pretend to be the moral compass of the mountain,” Ruku charged. “He walks and dines with leaders whose credibility is questionable, yet he dares to lecture others.”
Ruku further maintained that Mt Kenya already has an established and respected leadership structure under Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, whom he praised as an accomplished scholar and a man of integrity.
“Prof. Kindiki is well-educated, globally recognised, and highly respected. He is leading Mt Kenya leaders with distinction. The former Deputy President has no moral authority to question those who have worked tirelessly for their people,” he asserted.
The CS called on Gachagua to abandon what he termed “divisive politics” that threaten the region’s unity and progress, insisting that Mt Kenya’s focus should remain on development and cohesion.
“The people of Mt Kenya will not entertain divisive politics anymore. We are focused on unity, development, and progress—not empty rhetoric meant to divide us,” Ruku said.
Ruku made the remarks during a series of campaign stops in Mumìnjì and Evurore wards, culminating in a major rally at Kanyuambora Stadium—a few metres from the home of former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti and within the backyard of former Attorney General and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi. Both leaders are backing the United Opposition candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election.
During the event, local residents voiced strong opposition to the Opposition candidate, citing Muturi’s earlier comments advocating for the abolition of NG-CDF bursaries. The crowd vowed to support the government-backed UDA candidate, Leonard Wamuthende, in the November 27 vote.
Ruku expressed confidence that the ruling coalition would perform strongly in the forthcoming by-elections across Mt Kenya, saying that unity and development remain the foundation of their political agenda.
“The people of Mbeere North are intelligent and development-oriented. They know who stands with them, and they will speak loudly through the ballot,” he said.
“Out of their love for President William Ruto and his government, they are backing the UDA candidate
