CS Ruku Blasts Muturi Over Calls To Scrap Bursaries

The strong criticism came during the Mazingira Day celebrations at Gituburi Primary School in Mbeere North, where Ruku defended the fund's legacy. "It is profoundly disappointing and shows a complete lack of basic understanding when a leader of his stature calls for the abolition of the bursary under NG-CDF," CS Ruku stated. "This fund is a lifeline for thousands of children from vulnerable homes, and to dismiss its impact is to dismiss the suffering of the very people he seeks to lead."

Ruku was responding directly to Muturi's recent remarks at a rally in Siakago, where the former National Assembly Speaker argued the fund does not benefit all students equally. Dismissing this, Ruku pointed to his own record as the area's former MP.

"During my time as your representative, I ensured that not a single child was left behind. Every student who applied for a bursary received one," he declared. "We structured it so parents paid a manageable amount, like KSh 1,300 for the first and second terms, and the NG-CDF would fully cover the third term. That is tangible, equitable relief for our families."

Linking the issue to the upcoming parliamentary by-election, the CS cautioned residents against supporting Muturi's Democratic Party candidate, Newton Karish. "I urge you to be wise. If you elect a candidate from a party that wants to abolish bursary,  do not be surprised when the bursaries you depend on suddenly vanish," Ruku warned. 

Shifting to the theme of the day, the Cabinet Secretary also called for a sustained effort to combat climate change through afforestation. "Let us make planting a tree a daily habit, not just an event for Mazingira Day," he urged the community. "For us in this semi-arid region, every tree is a step towards more reliable rainfall. This is the only way we can secure our agricultural livelihoods and build a resilient economy for future generations."