A senior Kenyan official has denounced recent politically charged comments by a former deputy president, framing them as a regression into divisive ethnic politics that threaten national cohesion. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku issued the rebuke during a visit to Ngando, a neighborhood in Nairobi’s Dagoretti South, where he oversaw aid distribution to families displaced by a fire.
Ruku took aim at ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent references to “shareholding” and “cousins” — widely interpreted as allusions to ethnic favoritism — calling such rhetoric outdated and harmful. “That kind of language belongs to the past,” he said, addressing residents and local leaders. “It’s old-school politics aimed at dividing us. Kenyans want unity, development, and leaders who address their issues, not those who stoke ethnic tensions.” The remarks reflect growing tensions within Kenya’s political landscape, where appeals to tribal identity have historically influenced elections and governance.
Emphasizing President William Ruto’s commitment to inclusive leadership, Ruku asserted that the administration prioritizes equitable service delivery across all regions and communities. “The President is walking the talk,” he said, citing visible infrastructure projects and social programs. “Look around — lives are improving. Let’s support him to continue this journey.” His comments appeared to counter critics who accuse the government of uneven development and allege that recent protests have distracted from policy implementation.
The Cabinet Secretary’s visit to Ngando underscored the dual focus of his message: condemning divisive politics while highlighting state-led relief efforts. A fire last week destroyed dozens of homes in the area, leaving families without shelter or belongings. Ruku pledged ongoing government assistance for those affected, acknowledging the trauma of displacement. “No Kenyan should be left behind in times of tragedy,” he said. “We stand with these families until they rebuild.”
The confrontation between Ruku and Gachagua — once allies under Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition — signals fractures within the ruling party, analysts note. Gachagua, a prominent figure from the Mount Kenya region, has recently amplified calls for “equitable power-sharing,” which opponents argue risks reviving tribal patronage systems. Ruku’s push for a unified national agenda aligns with Ruto’s broader attempts to position himself as a pan-Kenyan leader amid economic challenges and public dissatisfaction over rising living costs.
As recovery efforts continue in Ngando, residents expressed cautious optimism about the government’s promises. “We’ve heard assurances before,” said one community representative, who asked not to be named. “But actions matter more than words.” For now, Ruku’s condemnation of ethnic rhetoric and emphasis on tangible progress aim to reinforce the administration’s narrative of stability — even as political rivalries simmer beneath the surface.
