Speaking at the Methodist Church of Kenya, Tharaka Synod, in Marimanti, Tharaka Nithi County, Ruku announced that the government will on Tuesday unveil measures to be taken against human resource managers found to have tampered with the payroll system.
The announcement follows a Cabinet directive ordering the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate alleged payroll manipulation suspected of costing the government Sh6.2 billion. The suspected fraud was uncovered following an audit conducted by the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes.
Ruku said the government will take legal action against all those found culpable in the payroll fraud, adding that the administration is committed to safeguarding public resources and restoring integrity in the public service.
“We have very strict instructions from the President on how the public service should operate and to ensure that no public funds are lost through salaries and other emoluments as a result of payroll manipulation. We must actualize Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which provide for the national values and principles of governance and public service,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary also assured Kenyans that the government, through the State Department for Special Programmes, is fully prepared to respond to the forecast El Niño rains and other extreme weather events that could affect farmers and vulnerable communities.
“We are ready for any eventuality, and the government is prepared to take care of all Kenyans in case of any emergency,” he said.
On politics, Ruku urged residents of Mt Kenya East to remain united and continue supporting President William Ruto’s administration, saying the region stands to benefit from being part of the government.
He noted that the appointment of Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki presents an opportunity for Mt Kenya East to advance its development agenda.
“There are issues that we, as the Eastern region, need to examine keenly. We are fortunate that the President chose our son, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, as the Deputy President, and that alone is reason enough to support the President for a second term,” he said.
Ruku opined that Mt Kenya East has been marginalised for many years, saying the region has often supported the development of other parts of the country without receiving a fair share of national resources.
“Our work has been to push others, even in terms of development, since independence. It is now their turn to support us,” he said.
He called on residents of Mt Kenya East and the wider Eastern region to vote as a bloc, saying a united political front would strengthen the region’s influence and bargaining power.
Ruku further stated that available data shows disparities in electricity connectivity, water supply, road infrastructure and other development projects in Mt Kenya East compared to Mt Kenya West.
“The people of Mt Kenya West are free to leave the government if they wish, but we in Mt Kenya East and the Eastern region will not abandon this government,” he said.
He also criticized some leaders from Mt Kenya West, accusing them of ignoring the development challenges facing neighbouring regions.
“Some of these leaders from Mt Kenya West have eaten and their bellies are full, but they should not show us their full bellies when some of our people are still hungry. Ukikula ukishiba, funika tumbo,” he said.
Ruku said Mt Kenya East would continue supporting President Ruto’s administration to ensure the region enjoys development opportunities similar to those experienced during the administrations of former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.
