LEADERS CLASH OVER UHURU

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, has blamed former President Uhuru Kenyatta for reportedly inciting Kenyans against the current government.

Speaking during an education and public outreach forum in Mbeere North, Ruku stated that while the former Head of State is constitutionally entitled to express his views and offer advice to the current President, he ought to avoid active or partisan politics.

"What the former President is engaged in is not advice-giving, it's opposition politics and agitating Kenyans against a constitutionally elected government," said Ruku.

The CS acknowledged the former President's decade of service to the nation but dared him to take a cue from his predecessors, the late Daniel Arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, by acting like a statesman and having regard for those in office.

Ruku specifically admonished Uhuru's recent utterances regarding the Social Health Authority (SHA), clarifying that the "Linda Mama" maternal health program was not abandoned but rather scaled up and replaced by "Linda Jamii," a more expanded program covering entire families.
"The government has made tough, at times unpopular, choices that are aimed at transforming the country. But we are committed to keeping our promise through development projects across Kenya," Ruku stated.

He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to developing education in Mbeere North and across the country without discrimination on the basis of clan or political affiliation.

"We are empowering children because their potential is limitless. As a Cabinet Secretary, I will ensure all children are accorded equal opportunities," he said.

Responding to recent criticism from former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, who claimed that there had been little development in Mbeere, Ruku enumerated some of the major government-sponsored projects in the area.

These include the Kanyuambora–Kamumu–Kageeri Road, whose construction begins right at Kivuti's own gate and is costing more than three billion shillings, and the Kanyuambora Irrigation Project, which the President launched personally outside Kivuti's gate.

"I am greatly perturbed by such a statement from a leader we hold as visionary," he said.
CS Ruku also condemned the former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, for allegedly insulting the people of Mbeere. He blamed Gachagua for using abusive language, suggesting that locals live on handouts and are not capable of setting up successful businesses.

Ruku also criticized the former Deputy President for remaining silent on the Muguka saga when he was still DP, a gazetted crop that is a primary source of livelihood in Mbeere.

When our cash crop was under attack, the former Deputy President had nothing to say. And this is the lifeline of our local economy," he said.

Ruku informed residents that they would not be distracted by what he termed "empty opposition rhetoric" and urged them to press on with keeping pace with the Government.

His views were shared by immediate former Mbeere North MP Muriuki Njagagua, who was recently appointed a special advisor to President Ruto. Njagagua criticized former President Kenyatta's insistence on not retiring from politics, saying that if he does not cease to practice partisan politics, he will lose his retirement benefits.

The Pension Benefits Act disqualifies a retired President from engaging in politics. If he continues, we will request the Head of State to revoke his pension," Njagagua stated.

The two leaders also criticized DP Gachagua, stating that Mbeere people are wise and intelligent and will continue to support the Government.

They concluded by rallying support for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muriuki (Wa Muthende) in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election and urged the residents to vote for the ruling party to enable continued development in the area.