Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku during the event on July 31, 2026/HANDOUTPublic Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has defended Deputy President Kithure Kindiki against criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying Kindiki deserves respect as the country's second-in-command because he is "not a son of a lesser God."
Speaking in Mauche, Njoro Constituency in Nakuru County, Ruku criticised Gachagua's recent political statements, saying they amounted to what he described as divisive politics and sustained attacks against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Ruku also dismissed suggestions that the Mt. Kenya region had fallen out with President William Ruto, maintaining that the differences being witnessed were personal to Gachagua following his impeachment from office.
"There is no problem between the Kikuyu community and President William Ruto. The problem is one individual, Rigathi Gachagua, who has a personal grievance after he was impeached...as Deputy President," Ruku said.
The Cabinet Secretary said both Gachagua and Kindiki come from the Mt. Kenya region but argued that their records in office were markedly different.
According to Ruku, Kindiki has demonstrated effective leadership, loyalty and service as Deputy President, earning the confidence of President Ruto.
He contrasted this with Gachagua's tenure, alleging the former Deputy President did not meet the expectations of the office.
Ruku further said Gachagua's political approach reflected what he described as vengeance and hatred, and urged the former Deputy President to abandon what he termed divisive rhetoric in favour of promoting national unity and development.
He maintained that Kindiki continues to enjoy President Ruto's confidence and said there was no uncertainty over the Deputy President's position in government.
Ruku said President Ruto intends to retain Kindiki as his running mate in the 2027 General Election, dismissing speculation about the Deputy President's political future.
The Cabinet Secretary also rejected assertions that the Mt. Kenya region was shifting its support away from the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku during an event on January 16, 2026/HANDOUT
He said residents of the region continue to back the government's development agenda and appreciate ongoing infrastructure and economic programmes being implemented by the administration.
Ruku called on political leaders to prioritise national cohesion instead of engaging in campaigns that deepen divisions, saying cooperation between leaders and citizens would help accelerate development and improve livelihoods across the country.
He further said the Mt. Kenya region had benefited from key government appointments and development initiatives under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Ruku urged residents to safeguard what he described as those gains by remaining united behind President Ruto, Deputy President Kindiki and the government, saying unity would help sustain the region's development and contribute to the country's broader growth agenda.
His remarks come amid escalating political exchanges between Kenya Kwanza leaders and Gachagua as both sides intensify campaigns and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku during an event on January 16, 2026/HANDOUT
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku during an event on January 16, 2026/FB
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku during an event on January 16, 2026/FB
