Tension flared in Embu over the weekend as Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki publicly lectured Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku for what he termed as “public incitement” concerning a stalled road project in Siakago.
The confrontation arose after Ruku made a public appeal, purportedly on behalf of local elders, urging the Deputy President to prioritize infrastructure development in the area.
The appeal did not sit well with Kindiki, who accused the Cabinet Secretary of undermining the government’s internal processes.
“You are now part of the Cabinet,” Kindiki told Ruku during a public event.
“You should not be inciting the public with complaints. Instead, you should be providing solutions within the Cabinet, which is the top decision-making organ of government,” he added.
Kindiki on Government Protocol
Kindiki further emphasized the importance of maintaining unity and protocol within the government, reminding Ruku that his role as a Cabinet Secretary comes with a significant mandate.
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“The President entrusted you with that flag. Respect it. It’s not just a piece of cloth,” Kindiki said sharply, urging Ruku to act with decorum and use official channels to address development concerns.
The incident sparked mixed reactions with observers noting the growing pressure within President William Ruto’s administration to maintain cohesion amid mounting local demands.
Geoffrey Ruku Appointment as Cs
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Before his appointment, Ruku who appeared before the he National Assembly Committee for vetting, shared his commitment to public service, particularly in safeguarding the interests of Kenyans employed by the government.
“If approved, I will extend my dedication to all Kenyans. Whether in Turkana, Mandera, or any other part of the country, I’ll ensure efficient service delivery without fear or favor,” he told the committee members.
He had served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Mbeere North Constituency in Embu County until April 16, 2025, when President William Ruto appointed him as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes.
He came in to replace Justin Muturi as Public Service Cabinet Secretary. Ruto sacked Muturi as the country’s Attorney General and gave him a soft landing, retaining him in his cabinet.
However, Muturi, a former Speaker of the National Assembly, became a thorn in Ruto’s flesh.
He constantly called out Ruto for perpetuating impurity and for presiding over a corrupt regime.
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