Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has hit out at Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi and Development Empowerment Party (DEP) leader Lenny Kivuti over allegations that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is planning to rig the upcoming Mbeere North by-election.
Speaking at Cianyi in Mbeere North, Embu County during the launch and flag-off of a government-funded school feeding programme, CS Ruku dismissed the rigging claims as unfounded, accusing the two leaders of propagating panic because they feared electoral defeat.
“These are crocodile tears from leaders who have sensed the outcome. The people of Mbeere North have already made their choice, they will vote for Leonard Wa Muthende. No amount of political noise will change that,” Ruku stated.
He urged Muturi and Kivuti to accept the political reality on the ground, asserting that neither the government nor the UDA had any intention of interfering with the by-election or the 2027 General Election. Instead, he challenged them to focus on presenting their candidate’s agenda rather than peddling conspiracy theories.
“It is very unfortunate that during their recent meeting, they did not speak a word about their manifesto or what their candidate plans to do for the people. While we are focused on development, they are busy spreading propaganda,” he added.
The CS noted that UDA’s candidate, Leonard Wa Muthende, was enjoying overwhelming grassroots support, having actively engaged residents with a clear development agenda. He cited his own track record during his two terms as MP for Mbeere North, pointing to several transformative projects initiated under his leadership, including the now-tendered Gìkuyari-Mùmìnjì-Ishiara road, a result of his lobbying efforts.
Ruku further accused Muturi and Kivuti, both of whom served under the KANU regime of hypocrisy, claiming they were now raising alarm over rigging while having allegedly participated in similar practices in the past. He challenged them to account for their long stints in government, saying they had collectively held senior positions for over three decades with little to show for it in Mbeere North.
“Let the people decide their next MP without distractions or sideshows. This is the time for fresh ideas and accountable leadership,” Ruku emphasised.
He also urged youths and unregistered voters to collect their national ID cards and register in time for the 2027 General Election, stressing that democratic participation begins with voter registration.
Joining Ruku at the event was former Mbeere North MP and current Presidential Advisor, Muriuki Njagagua, who echoed the CS’s remarks.
Njagagua criticised Muturi and Kivuti as leaders who failed to deliver during their time in office and praised Ruku for what he termed an exemplary performance in his new Cabinet role, calling him one of the most effective CSs in the current administration.
He rallied locals to support Leonard Wa Muthende, saying his election would guarantee continuity of the development agenda Ruku began as MP.
The Mbeere North by-election is scheduled for November 27, with political temperatures in the constituency continuing to rise as the race draws national attention.
