Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has intensified his criticism of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accusing the veteran politician of isolating the Kamba community from government opportunities for political gain.
Speaking to grassroots leaders in Wote, Makueni County, Ruku claimed Kalonzo had discouraged residents from benefiting from government programmes while personally enjoying state services.
“The government fuels Kalonzo Musyoka’s motorcade, while he and his entire family enjoy Universal Health Coverage, yet he tells his fellow kinsmen that SHA and other government programmes are bad,” Ruku said.
The Cabinet Secretary urged Kalonzo to join the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that the former Vice President had spent decades in elective politics and should allow a new generation of leaders to take charge.
“He has served in almost every ministry. I heard of him as a minister when I was still in primary school. The time has come for him to allow the Kamba people to see the light instead of using them for his personal political benefit,” he said.
Ruku also challenged Ukambani residents to abandon ethnic-based politics and support parties with a national outlook, specifically backing President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“It is time we moved away from ethnic political parties. If every community formed its own party, it would be detrimental to national unity. Development is driven by good leadership, not by the political party one belongs to,” he said.
He accused Kalonzo of allowing Wiper to be viewed as a party representing the Kamba community, saying such politics could undermine national cohesion.
Ruku also took aim at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of politically manipulating Kalonzo and disrespecting other opposition leaders.
He cited reported disagreements involving Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, Party of National Unity leader Peter Munya and Democratic Empowerment Party leader Lenny Kivuti.
“It is only a matter of time before Kalonzo finds himself in the same situation,” Ruku said.
Turning to Mt Kenya East politics, Ruku said the region was pursuing greater political and economic independence following resolutions by the Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders.
“It is time for Mt Kenya East to move forward with political and economic independence without looking back. When you aim an arrow at President William Ruto, you are also targeting our son, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who comes from Mt Kenya East,” he said.
Ruku also criticised Muturi over what he described as unfounded allegations against him, while urging the former Attorney General to work with other Mt Kenya East leaders to advance the region’s interests.
Defending his record as the former Mbeere North MP, Ruku said he had lobbied for nearly 70 kilometres of roads and other development projects under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
On development in Makueni, Ruku said the government had allocated Sh9.7 billion towards completion of the Thwake Dam, which he said would expand irrigation and unlock the county’s agricultural potential.
He also cited the proposed National Infrastructure Fund, projected to mobilise Sh3.5 trillion for investments in roads, water, information technology infrastructure and last-mile electricity connectivity.
Ruku further directed chief executives of State corporations and government agencies to fast-track their institutions’ migration to the Human Resource Information System (HRIS).
“All Cabinet directives must be implemented. Any CEO who fails to onboard their institution onto HRIS will face administrative action,” he warned.