Opposition engaging in divisive politics, CS Ruku

He dismissed the so-called “cousins” narrative popularized by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies as outdated and dangerous. The narrative, which seeks to pit different  communities as political relatives with special claims to power, has drawn sharp criticism for sidelining other communities and fanning ethnic tensions. “We are not cousins competing for an inheritance. We are one nation working towards a shared prosperity. This political balcanization should stop,” Ruku said.

Speaking during the ACK Diocese of Embu’s Education Sunday at St. Anne’s Kiriari Girls’ Secondary School, Ruku slammed the opposition for what he termed as “reckless tribal talk,” accusing them of using identity politics to lure locals in tribal lines.

Ruku went on to highlight the Kenya Kwanza government’s focus on economic transformation, citing concrete examples of gains made under President William Ruto’s leadership. He noted that farmers are now receiving higher payouts than ever before stating that coffee farmers are earning up to KSh 100 per kilogram, tea returns have surpassed KSh 210 billion, and milk prices have risen from KSh 37 to KSh 50 per litre.

“These are not promises. They are results,” Ruku said. He attributed the success to government reforms like the digitization of payments, the elimination of middlemen, and the introduction of minimum price guarantees through the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund (CCARF), which has already disbursed over KSh 6.7 billion to nearly 500,000 farmers.

Turning to the education sector, the Cabinet Secretary praised the Church’s longstanding contribution, especially in supporting children from disadvantaged families. “The role of the Church in shaping values and expanding access to education cannot be overstated,” Ruku noted. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring every child regardless of background accesses quality education.

Supporting his message were several Kenya Kwanza-aligned lawmakers, including Mary Wa Maua (Maragua MP), Jane Karigi (Laikipia Woman Rep), and James Githua (Kabete MP). They reassured parents and school heads that Parliament had set aside adequate funds for capitation and national exams, saying there is no cause for alarm over school finances.

Ruku was also accompanied by TVET Principal Secretary Dr Esther Mworia and TSC Chairperson Dr Jamleck Muturi.