Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) nominee Geoffrey Ruku has declared his net worth to be Ksh.377 million.
Ruku announced this while appearing before lawmakers for vetting at Parliament buildings in Nairobi on Monday.
Ruku told MPs that if approved, he will champion fairness and transparency in the public service, as well as ensure all of Kenya’s communities are well-represented in public service.
He pledged to foster equality and inclusivity by fighting for minority groups, such as persons living with disabilities.
Ruku said he will not condone corruption in the public service, saying, “I will serve without fear or favour, streamline unemployment issues, and create job opportunities without nepotism.”
“I will also develop a digital system to address the issue of ghost workers,” the CS nominee said.
As an MP, Ruku is most known for sponsoring the controversial Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024, which sought to spell out the conduct of an assembly or demonstration and outline prohibitions during the event.
These included imposing conditions relating to public order, safety and protection of freedom of persons.
Although he later withdrew it amid uproar over concerns it would restrict peaceful demonstrations as guaranteed in Article 37 of the constitution, Ruku on Monday said his bid was aimed at protecting those not demonstrating.
“No life should be lost because of demonstrations; no property should be destroyed,” he told MPs.
The Mbeere North MP is a staunch ally of President William Ruto and was nominated to the Cabinet on March 26, following the dismissal of Justin Muturi.
Muturi fell out with the president over his outspoken criticism of state actions, particularly concerning the alleged abduction and killing of youth since the height of last year’s anti-government protests. Muturi’s son was among those abducted.
Until his dismissal, Muturi had opted out of Cabinet meetings, insisting the issue be addressed.
