Ruku blasts Muturi for steering Mbeere community in opposition

K24 Digital Reporter 19th September, 2025 03:07 PM

Caption:Ruku blasts Muturi for steering Mbeere community in opposition. VIDEO/K24TV

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has criticised former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, accusing them of misleading the Mbeere community into opposition politics despite having previously thrived under successive governments.

This comes as tensions continue to grow as the November 27, 2025, by-elections near.

Speaking on Friday, September 19, 2025, during public engagements at Kavengero and Kìgwambiti in Mbeere North, Embu County, Ruku questioned why Muturi and Kivuti, leaders who once held high-ranking positions in government, are now pushing narratives that risk politically isolating the Mbeere community.

Ruku’s remarks follow Ndegwa Njiru’s explanation of how the opposition will win the Mbeere North by-election.

“You worked with the government for years, JB Muturi, as a Magistrate, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly for 10 years, and even Attorney General before the cabinet portfolio. Kivuti also served as a Senator. Why now mislead the people of Mbeere into opposing the very government that will transform their lives?” Ruku posed.

The CS challenged the two to stop promoting aspirants with weak academic and leadership credentials, urging them instead to front capable, educated individuals who can secure powerful parliamentary committee positions and effectively lobby for development.

“If they truly care about Mbeere, let them bring their own sons who are educated individuals who can walk into Parliament, sit on important House committees, and deliver for the people. Leadership is not just about popularity; it’s about capacity and competence,” he emphasised.

Justin Muturi speaks during a past event. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/justinbmuturi

Ruku’s bare knuckles?

While reaffirming his respect for the two former leaders, Ruku warned against settling political scores at the expense of community progress.

Elsewhere, Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi appealed for peace and unity ahead of the upcoming Mbeere North by-election.

“JB, I respect you so much. But your differences with the President should not be settled through misleading the Mbeere community. Let’s put the people first,” he said.

Ruku also condemned the resurgence of clan-based politics in Mbeere North, describing it as divisive and outdated. He accused Muturi and Kivuti of reviving retrogressive tactics that threaten to splinter the community.

“Those pushing clan politics in Mbeere North have no space in this era. That kind of politics is behind us. What our people need now is unity and development,” Ruku declared.

Earlier during his visit, Ruku presided over the issuance of a development cheque to Kavengero and Kígwambiti Secondary School in Evurore, Embu County. The funds will be used to equip the school with essential learning facilities, in line with the government’s broader efforts to enhance the quality of education.

“The government is fully committed to enhancing access to quality education. Already, the Ministry of Education has constructed over 23,000 new classrooms and employed 76,000 additional teachers over the past three years to support the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC),” he said.

Ruku added that plans are underway to employ 24,000 more teachers, bringing the total to 100,000, in fulfilment of President William Ruto’s 2022 campaign pledge to strengthen the education sector within his first term.

The CS rallied the residents to stand firm behind the government and reject leaders who push political rhetoric designed to alienate the region from national development.

“We are in government, and that’s where we must stay. Anyone telling you otherwise is playing politics with your future,” he cautioned.