‘I almost became a priest’ – CS Ruku opens up on his past
By Charles Ouma, February 18, 2026Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku has opened up on his past, detailing how he almost became a catholic priest.
In an interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Ruku revealed that he was very prayerful as a child and had dreams of being a padre at one point.
Growing up in the village, Ruku was attached to the church and for this reason, he was nicknamed “bishop” on account of this close relationship.
“Nilikuwa naitwa bishop juu nilikuwa mtu wa kanisa zaidi. (I was nicknamed bishop because I was very attached to the church.
He carried this nickname all through his childhood, boldly embracing it with the hope of becoming a bishop later on in life.
“Nilikuwa nafikiria skiu moja nitakuwa padre,” Ruku added, lifting the lid on a part of his life that has largely remained hidden from the public.
“Halafu nikawacha hiyo maneno (I later dropped those plans), Ruku added, explaining why he did not end up as a padre.
Ruku explains how he won Ruto’s trust
Ruku, who was a first-term Member of Parliament, was picked by President William Ruto to join his cabinet after a wave of deadly protests that saw the Head of State reorganise his administration.
His appointment to the cabinet ushered him to national spotlight, with an elevated profile as he hit the ground running to support the president’s agenda.
The CS attributed his meteoric rise to loyalty and consistency, noting that he has been fiercely loyal to both the president and his deputy.
“Currency ya siasa ni moja: loyalty and consistency,” Ruku said, adding that he can never fail to pick up a call from the President or the Deputy President.
Resignation that sparked a contest
His resignation as an MP triggered a hotly-contested by-election in Mbeere North with the United Democratic Alliance facing off with the Democratic Party, backed by the united opposition outfit.
Deputy President Kindiki Kithure camped in the area to deliver victory for UDA, with Leo Wamuthende of UDA trouncing Newton Kariuki of DP with a very small margin.
The battle headed to the courts, where Wamuthende’s win was upheld.