NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 7 – The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has found that remarks made by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku in Tharaka Nithi County in July 2026 amounted to collective ethnic blame and undermined harmonious relations.

📻 Breaking It Down

In its Determination No. 4 of 2026, the commission said Ruku’s references to Kikuyu people, his assertion that people in Mt Kenya West thought Kenya belonged to them and his use of ethnic surnames transformed institutional grievances into collective ethnic blame. image(20261007-093512) image(20261007-093701)

The NCIC said the remarks demeaned the equal standing of Kikuyu people, undermined harmonious relations and failed to respect their rights and reputation.

The finding forms the basis of an immediate cessation notice issued against Ruku.

📌 What You Need to Know

The commission has also set out a remedial reconciliation process and directed an ethnic and diversity audit of national public establishments. It said Ruku’s subsequent peace efforts were recognised as substantial first steps but did not erase the adverse findings or complete the corrective process. image(20261007-093512)

NCIC said Ruku’s position as a Cabinet Secretary amplified the influence of his speech and therefore required a higher level of restraint.

The commission noted that Section 25 of the Conflict of Interest Act excludes Cabinet Secretaries from its specific political-neutrality prohibition.

However, NCIC said the exclusion does not exempt Cabinet Secretaries from the requirements of the Constitution or the National Cohesion and Integration Act. image(20261007-093701)

The commission said public officials are expected to exercise responsibility in their public communication because their positions give their statements greater influence.

Ruku appeared before the commission with his lawyer on September 1, 2026, and admitted making the remarks.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya