Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has denied claims that he is seeking to divide the Mt. Kenya region, saying his comments are aimed at highlighting historical inequalities between communities in the area.
Speaking on NTV on Monday, Ruku said the region has remained united politically and socially, having supported successive governments since independence, but argued that development gaps between Mt. Kenya East and West need to be addressed.
"I'm not splitting the mountain. I'm just saying the truth. As far as the Mount Kenya region is concerned, we fought for the independence of our nation together as a mountain," Ruku said.
He cited disparities in infrastructure development, comparing counties such as Kiambu, which he said has extensive road connectivity, with Tharaka Nithi, which he argued has not received similar attention.
Ruku said acknowledging the diversity of Mt. Kenya should not be viewed as tribalism, noting that the region consists of communities including Kikuyus, Merus, Embus, Tharakas, Chukas, Mbeeres and others.
He also highlighted the role of Meru and other communities in the independence struggle, naming figures such as General Ruku, General Baimungi, General Molima and General Kubukubu.
The CS criticised Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of using entitlement in his political approach and turning personal grievances into community issues.
"If you listen to Rigathi Gachagua talking, there is too much entitlement. He is politically arrogant, and what I'm telling him is that that arrogance he has politically has to come to an end," Ruku said.
"He was Deputy President from Mt. Kenya West. We now have a Deputy President from Mt. Kenya East. Why would the government be wrong when leadership has come from the other side of the mountain?"
Ruku added that the current administration has many senior officials from the Mt. Kenya region, including Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, CEOs and parastatal chairpersons.
“The people of the Mountain formed this government and have the highest number of Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, CEOs, and chairpersons of parastatals in this government. Yet one person, a crazy guy who was unable to keep his job and unable to manage MPs, is shouting at the top of his voice, trying to make his personal problem look like a community problem,” he said.