CS Ruku tells Embu residents to stay in govt for more goodies

Speaking at the funeral of his long-time friend Dionisio Njiru Kanyenji at Gikuyari village in Mbeere North, Ruku said the marginalized Mbeere community has witnessed unprecedented progress under President William Ruto’s leadership, more than under any previous regime since independence. He emphasized that the government was delivering on its promises, with major infrastructure and social development projects already underway.

Among the notable developments he cited were the Kamburu and Kiambere bulk water projects, which are expected to benefit the entire Mbeere region. Ruku noted that despite hosting the expansive Seven Forks hydroelectric dams, Mbeere residents have for decades suffered chronic water shortages, a challenge that Dr William Ruto administration was aggressively addressing. He further mentioned the Kamata Irrigation Project, currently under construction at a cost of KSh 150 million, and the Kanyuambora Irrigation Project, which has received KSh 280 million in funding. Additional allocations have been made in the current financial year to scale up the Kamata project.

Ruku also outlined ongoing road infrastructure works that had stalled under previous administrations but are now back on track. These include the Embu PI–Makima–Machang’a Road, Kiritiri–Kiambeere–Mutuobare Road, and the Gikuyari–Muminji–Kiarie Road, all of which were factored into this year’s National  budget.

President Ruto is expected to officially launch these projects in August. He dismissed claims that no work was being done, pointing to the active construction along the Kanyuambora–Kamumu–Kageeri Road, where a contractor was already on site. He criticized detractors who were allegedly posting misleading photos online to create a false narrative that the government was not delivering.

Turning to electrification, the CS noted that many homes across Embu were now being connected to electricity, an effort that made a significant milestone for a region that has historically been bypassed despite contributing to the National power grid. He said these developments are proof that the Kenya Kwanza government was attentive to the needs of the people.

On the issue of youth empowerment, CS Ruku assured residents that opportunities for young people are real and expanding. He revealed that over 400,000 Kenyan youth are currently working in various countries abroad, thanks to government-facilitated diaspora job programs. He urged youth to take advantage of available opportunities in climate-focused programs and the Affordable Housing Programme, which he said are creating employment at a large scale. He also highlighted the NYOTA Business Programme, which provides up to KSh 50,000 in startup capital for registered businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.

“All these programs are part of President William Ruto’s vision for a better Kenya,” Ruku said, reaffirming that the development narrative being promoted by the opposition was misleading and aimed at sabotaging progress. He accused opposition leaders of inciting unrest and trying to gain power through unconstitutional means. “We have no space for violence. We must live in peace and unity,” he added.

The CS praised the youth of Mbeere North for resisting calls to engage in protests, saying their decision to stay peaceful was commendable and a sign of political maturity. He argued that when President Ruto took office in 2022, the economy was in poor shape, but through deliberate policy measures, inflation has decreased, the value of the Kenyan shilling has stabilized, and the prices of basic commodities have come down.

Ruku also emphasized the importance of effective public service delivery. He said he has recently made impromptu visits to various government offices to assess how services are being offered to citizens, noting that public servants must perform diligently and reflect the commitment of the President. “Public service delivery is central to this administration. You are the President’s representative in your office, and you must serve the people accordingly,” he said.

Addressing the upcoming Mbeere North by-election, CS Ruku called on residents to support a pro-government candidate, arguing that continued development depends on political alignment with the administration. He said it would be unwise to abandon a government that is already delivering results in favor of the opposition, comparing such a move to rejecting a cow that is giving milk in favor of one that does not.

In a direct challenge to Members of County Assembly (MCAs) who are eyeing the Mbeere North parliamentary seat, Ruku urged them to resign immediately if they are serious about contesting. “If you believe you are ready to lead, step down and face the people. Show your seriousness,” he said, adding that half-hearted ambition should not be tolerated at the expense of effective representation.

He also took a swipe at former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, accusing him of trying to mislead the Mbeere community into opposition politics after having a full decade in to work for the people . “You had your chance to deliver for our people. We are now reaping the benefits of the government we voted for. Don’t take us backwards,” he warned.

Ruku closed his address by reminding residents of the work he did for them during his time as MP, including improving school infrastructure and ensuring equitable distribution of bursaries to support needy students. He expressed full confidence in President Ruto’s re-election in 2027, declaring that the Kenya Kwanza government has a clear mission and vision to take Kenya forward.