Politics can wait, prioritise work: CS Ruku to leaders

Geoffrey Ruku, CS for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes during his vetting at County Hall, Nairobi on April 14, 2025 [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has urged political leaders to prioritise the development agenda instead of engaging in divisive politics. 

Speaking during an interdenominational church service in Mbeere Embu County, CS Ruku emphasised the importance of national unity and peaceful coexistence. 

He accused the opposition, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, of attempting to divide the country along tribal lines — a move he said Kenyans of goodwill will firmly reject.

 “Our strength as a nation lies in reasoning together and resolving issues peacefully. We must avoid destruction and instead work hand in hand to build a better Kenya,” Ruku said.

Ruku further urged the youth to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement to address the nation’s challenges, rather than resorting to protests and destruction of property.

He noted that for many years, the Mbeere community had been marginalised by previous regimes despite hosting vital national infrastructure, including the Seven Forks dams. However, under the Kenya Kwanza administration led by President William Ruto, significant strides have been made to uplift the region.

 Ruku highlighted key government interventions in Mbeere, including the ongoing water supply project worth Sh 2 billion, of which Sh 600 million has already been committed. 

He also pointed to increased infrastructure development, such as the upgrading of the Kiritiri-Kiambere road to bitumen standards and the Kamburu bulk water project.

 The CS said the Kenya Kwanza government has prioritised education and job creation, citing the employment of 76,000 teachers in the last two years, with an additional 24,000 set to be employed by December 2025. 

He also mentioned the expansion of the last-mile electricity connectivity program and the construction of new school classrooms and markets across Embu and other counties.

 Ruku reiterated the government’s commitment to decentralising services by establishing more Huduma Centres across the country to ensure faster and more efficient service delivery.

He called on public servants to remain dedicated and serve all Kenyans equally without fear or favour.

“As leaders, we must focus on service delivery. The time for politics will come in 2027, but for now, we must work,” he said.

 Other leaders present, including Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, Former KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion, echoed Ruku’s sentiments, calling for unity.