Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has called on Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku to avoid divisive rhetoric that could weaken the Mt Kenya region's collective political strength.

In a statement issued on July 31, Kuria acknowledged Ruku's concerns about development disparities within Mt Kenya but warned that fragmenting the region into Mt Kenya East and West blocs would diminish its bargaining power.

To emphasize his point, Kuria compared the number of registered voters in Ruku's Mbeere North constituency, approximately 54,000, with the 58,000 voters in Kamenu Ward, Kiambu County, Kenya's most populous ward. He stressed that every voting bloc, regardless of size, holds significant political value.

"Your Mbeere North Constituency, with 54,000 registered voters, is very important for us, just like Kamenu Ward in Thika Town with 58,000 registered voters, the most populous ward in Kenya. Tupendane ndugu. Kenya ni yetu sisi sote," Kuria stated, urging reconciliation and unity.

Background to Kuria's Remarks

Kuria's intervention followed Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku's public defense of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and criticism of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking in Mauche, Nakuru, Ruku dismissed claims that Mt Kenya is distancing itself from President William Ruto's administration, attributing regional tensions to personal grievances stemming from Gachagua's impeachment.

Ruku contrasted Kindiki's leadership positively against Gachagua's, describing the current Deputy President as diligent and respectful, while criticizing the former DP's performance.

Development Disparity Concerns

Ruku has been vocal about perceived unequal distribution of government resources between Mt Kenya East (Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi) and Mt Kenya West. He cited statistics such as 77.7% of new roads in the region being in Mt Kenya West and electricity connectivity rates in Kiambu at 90%, compared to significantly lower levels in Tharaka Nithi.

He insists that highlighting these disparities is intended to reflect development realities rather than sow division.

Kuria’s message underscores the need for solidarity among Mt Kenya communities to maintain their political influence and work together towards shared progress.