The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has directed Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku to withdraw remarks he made in July that the commission found divisive.
Ruku made the remarks at Kiang’ondu in Tharaka Nithi county while discussing the political identity, development and representation of the Mt Kenya East region.
In its determination issued on Wednesday, the commission said Ruku’s remarks amounted to generalisations and collective blame against a section of the population.
“The Commission finds that Hon Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku's remarks at Kiang'ondu, Tharaka Nithi county, in July 2026 crossed from legitimate advocacy for identity and equitable development into divisive ethnic generalisation and collective blame,” NCIC chairperson Kepha Omae said.
The commission said the remarks undermined equal dignity and harmonious relations and fell below the restraint and responsibility expected of a Cabinet Secretary.
As part of proposed reconciliation measures, NCIC directed Ruku to publicly withdraw, in both Kiswahili and English, statements alleging that Kikuyu people "regard Kenya as their property" or are collectively responsible for disparities in development and public appointments.
The commission also directed the commencement of a remedial conciliation process and ordered an audit of ethnic diversity in national public institutions to establish compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements on representation.
The inquiry centred on remarks in which Ruku rejected the description of Mt Kenya East as a political “trailer” of Mt Kenya West and criticised perceptions that one region or community had an undue claim over the country’s political and economic affairs.
He also referred to ethnic surnames while discussing alleged disparities in development and public appointments.
NCIC said the remarks turned concerns over development and representation into collective blame.
“The remarks demeaned the equal standing of Kikuyu people, undermined harmonious relations and failed to respect their rights and reputation,” the commission said.
Ruku, who appeared before the commission with his lawyers on September 1, defended his remarks, arguing that the Constitution protects distinct ethnic identities and allows communities to advocate for equitable development and representation in public appointments.
He denied harbouring ill will towards the Kikuyu community and said his reference to stepping on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s neck until he had no room to “breathe” was political imagery intended to describe political defeat rather than physical harm.
The directive comes as NCIC steps up scrutiny of public statements by political leaders and other public figures that it considers capable of undermining national cohesion.
