Ruku slams Gachagua following Mbeere North defeat, urges unity

In the November 27 by‑election for Mbeere North, UDA’s Leonard Wa Muthende emerged victorious, garnering 15,802 votes.

by EMMANUEL WANJALA

News29 November 2025 - 18:47

In Summary

Ruku claimed the outcome sent a clear message that Kenyans are no longer backing leaders who thrive on regional divisions and self-styled political titles.
The CS was speaking on Saturday at Suneka Catholic Parish in Bonchari, Kisii county, during a community fellowship under the Catholic MPs’ Spiritual Support Initiative.

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Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku has criticised opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua following the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election loss, describing the result as a rejection of divisive politics.

Ruku claimed the outcome sent a clear message that Kenyans are no longer backing leaders who thrive on regional divisions and self-styled political titles.

The CS was speaking on Saturday at Suneka Catholic Parish in Bonchari, Kisii county, during a community fellowship under the Catholic MPs’ Spiritual Support Initiative.

“Gachagua has been chest-thumping and installing himself as the Mt Kenya kingpin, but the people have spoken loudly. His kingship is self-made and unsupported. Mbeere North proved that,” Ruku told the congregation.

In the November 27 by‑election for Mbeere North, UDA’s Leonard Wa Muthende emerged victorious, garnering 15,802 votes.

His closest challenger was DP’s Newton Kariuki (Karish), who garnered 15,308 votes — leaving Muthende with a narrow edge of 494 votes.

The result handed UDA the parliamentary seat, in what turned out to be a closely fought contest between the ruling party and United Opposition.

The Mbeere North by-election was among the seven most closely watched contests of the 22 mini-polls, alongside Malava, Kasipul, Magarini, Banissa, Ugunja, and the Baringo senatorial seat.

The broad-based government secured a clean sweep of the seats, with UDA and ODM each claiming three National Assembly constituencies, while UDA also won the Baringo Senate race.

The Mbeere North seat fell vacant after President William Ruto appointed Ruku to the cabinet.Congregants at Suneka Catholic Parish in Bonchari, Kisii county, on November 29, 2025./HANDOUTCongregants at Suneka Catholic Parish in Bonchari, Kisii county, November 29, 2025./HANDOUT

Ruku emphasised that the election was more than a contest between candidates, framing it as a test of leadership values, with voters opting for unity over confrontation.

“The politics of hatred and division are behind us. Kenya is one nation, and nobody—absolutely nobody—will succeed in dividing it,” he said.

The CS claimed some leaders exploit regional identity for personal gain, adding that such tactics no longer resonate with a population focused on development.

“We must not allow a few individuals to mislead communities for their selfish interests. Kenyans are tired, and they want development, not constant conflict,” he said.

He praised Mbeere North voters for demonstrating political maturity, saying their decision reflected the region’s true aspirations.

“Our people chose peace, development and continuity over noise. They sent a message not just to Gachagua but to every leader who believes negativity wins votes,” he added.Congregants at Suneka Catholic Parish in Bonchari, Kisii county, on November 29, 2025.Public Service Geoffrey Ruku addressing congregants at Suneka Catholic Parish in Bonchari, Kisii county, November 29, 2025.

Ruku extended an olive branch to those who lost in the by-election, noting that opportunities within the broad-based government remain open.

He encouraged Kenyans to support President Ruto’s administration, which he said remains committed to delivering on its promises.Public Service Geoffrey Ruku addressing congregants at Suneka Catholic Parish in Bonchari, Kisii county, November 29, 2025.

The CS further cautioned young people against being manipulated by politicians pursuing personal ambitions, citing instances in Mbeere where youths were mobilised to block polling stations while chanting “Wantam” and intimidating perceived government supporters.

He urged Kenyans across all regions to reject divisive narratives and reaffirmed the government’s focus on service delivery for all. “Let’s protect our unity. Let’s protect our future,” he concluded.