Kindiki sets the record straight, says he wasn’t lecturing Ruku
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed claims that he publicly lectured Environment Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku during a recent public event.
This follows a viral video that showed Kindiki speaking firmly to Ruku.
The controversial video
In the video, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was hitting back at the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary Ruku, who had earlier used the same platform to call on the government to tarmac roads in Embu.
Kindiki, visibly firm in his tone, reminded Ruku that he is no longer a Member of Parliament but now a Cabinet minister—part of the top decision-making organ of the government.
He told Ruku that instead of making public appeals, he should use his current position to push for development directly through the proper channels, including the president and fellow ministers.
Kindiki made it clear that it was inappropriate for a sitting CS to demand services from the government he is part of, emphasising that such matters he should handle it by himself.
According to Kindiki, his remarks were widely misinterpreted, with many viewing them as a lecture or a sign of disrespect toward the Cabinet Secretary.
However, he has now clarified that his intention was not to demean his colleague but to offer a firm reminder about the collective responsibility that comes with serving in government.
He emphasised that leaders in government should use internal channels to push for development, rather than addressing such matters in public forums.
Kindiki’s statement
In a statement posted on his social media handles on Monday, May 12, 2025, Kindiki states that Geoffrey Ruku is his long-time friend and neighbour, and that the remarks being misinterpreted were him referring to a former cabinet secretary who hails from the same region as Ruku.
“Seen a desperate, mischievous, and utterly malicious twist insinuating that I lectured and disrespected my neighbour, CS Geoffrey Ruku, my friend for years,” Kindiki wrote.
“My remark being discussed referred to a former cabinet secretary from the same area and other ex-leaders who manifested similar conduct.”
Kindiki emphasised that CS Ruku has been his close friend for a long time and that he would never use a public platform to attack or belittle him.
He further insisted on the principle of collective responsibility in government, stating that all Cabinet Secretaries are expected to champion development from within the structures of government, rather than through public appeals.
If you are in government and you want it to do something for the people, you use your position in the same to influence the desired action.
“Pretending to be ‘clever’ by undermining a government that you are a senior part of is illegal and anti-people. It is for the opposition to oppose, criticise and correct the government, “ said Kindiki.
