By Dorothy Musyoka
The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku, has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of orchestrating violence and disorder at public gatherings as part of a strategy to portray himself as a victim and rally public sympathy.
Speaking in response to chaotic scenes witnessed on Sunday during a church service in Nyeri attended by Mr. Gachagua, CS Ruku alleged that the unrest was deliberately instigated. The incident saw police lob teargas inside the church after disorder broke out, forcing congregants to flee and disrupting the service.
CS Ruku claimed the events were not accidental, alleging that Gachagua routinely moves with armed individuals who intentionally cause disruptions at meetings and places of worship he attends, with the aim of inciting public anger against the government.
“This is the same pattern we witnessed during the Mbeere North by-election campaigns, where his goons attacked an innocent youth and broke his leg,” Ruku said.
“The youth, identified as Fredrick, sustained a broken leg during a church service at Karangare that the former Deputy President was attending with his goons,” added Ruku.
The Cabinet Secretary cautioned Kenyans against what he termed “well-organized schemes” designed to manufacture victimhood, spread hatred, and mislead the public. He warned that the government would not tolerate acts of lawlessness disguised as political persecution and emphasized that places of worship must never be turned into arenas for political drama.
Ruku further noted that the Nyeri incident mirrors what he described as a recurring pattern of violence associated with Mr. Gachagua’s political activities. He stressed that intimidation and violence have no place in Kenya’s democratic space and urged leaders to stop exploiting young people to advance personal political interests through fear and chaos.
Turning to regional politics, CS Ruku maintained that the Mt Kenya region remains firmly within government, dismissing claims that it is politically drifting. He described Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the undisputed leader of the Mt Kenya region, citing his central role in government and delivery of development initiatives.
He urged residents of Mt Kenya Central and Mt Kenya West to remain loyal to the government, noting that the region stands to benefit from ongoing and planned development projects. He warned that attempts to lure the region into opposition politics would only derail development and deny residents essential services and opportunities.
CS Ruku also accused Mr. Gachagua of political arrogance, calling on him to respect the Deputy President and acknowledge the long-standing unity between Mt Kenya East, Central, and West. He emphasized that Mt Kenya East has consistently stood with the rest of the region and deserves equal respect and recognition in national leadership.
Addressing the broader Mt Kenya regional discourse, Ruku underscored the role played by Mt Kenya East in Kenya’s struggle for independence, warning against narratives that sideline its contribution. He called for unity, mutual respect, and solidarity across the entire Mt Kenya region, particularly at a time when the Deputy President hails from Mt Kenya East.
He reiterated that the government remains firmly on course in delivering its development agenda and will not be distracted by political propaganda or hostility.
Chuka Igambang’ombe MP Patrick Munene supported Ruku’s position, describing the Nyeri church incident as a “well-scripted drama” and dismissing claims that police deliberately targeted Mr. Gachagua.
However, he condemned the use of teargas in a church, terming it a violation of the sanctity and dignity of places of worship.
Tigania East MP Mpuri Apuri also condemned the incident, urging Kenyans to reject what he described as “politics of conmanship” and calling for responsible leadership anchored in peace, respect, and democratic values.