Geoffrey Ruku: The rise of Ruto’s unapologetic defender

By Wanderi Kamau

President William Ruto’s latest Cabinet reshuffle has thrust Geoffrey Ruku into the national spotlight, marking his rise as one of the most visible and senior politicians from the Mt Kenya region.

The elevation of the first-term MP for Mbeere North to the role of Cabinet Secretary for Public Service signals a reward for his unapologetic loyalty to Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

But beyond the appointment lies a deeper political narrative: Ruku has emerged as Ruto’s chief enforcer in the battle for supremacy in Mt Kenya, particularly in the ongoing tussle with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The fiercely vocal lawmaker

From his days as an MP, Ruku has been one of the most outspoken defenders of President Ruto’s administration. Unlike many politicians who walk a tightrope between loyalty and pragmatism, Ruku has been unwaveringly pro-Ruto, even in the face of growing discontent within Mt Kenya over unfulfilled government promises. His hardline stance has earned him a reputation as a no-nonsense political operative willing to take on even the most entrenched figures.

One of Ruku’s most defining moments came in 2023 when he declared that 48 Mt Kenya MPs had embraced Kindiki as the region’s new bridge to the Executive, effectively sidelining Gachagua. This statement set off a political firestorm, exacerbating the growing divide between Ruto’s allies and those coalescing around Gachagua’s camp.

Ruku’s anti-Gachagua stance has been visible both in and outside Parliament. He was a key figure in pushing back Gachagua’s ‘one-man, one-shilling, one-vote’ economic model, arguing that it is a divisive approach that risks alienating other regions.

The face of the anti-Gachagua war in Mt Kenya East

For many political observers, Ruku’s appointment is not just about his competence in public service but also about his strategic role in the fight for control of the Mt Kenya voting bloc. He has been at the forefront of the anti-Gachagua push in Mt Kenya East, a region that has grown increasingly skeptical his leadership abilities. By positioning himself as a counterweight to Gachagua, Ruku has emerged as a crucial figure in Ruto’s broader scheme to weaken Gachagua’s grip on the region ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Ruku has been one of the most aggressive voices against Gachagua’s consolidation efforts in Mt. Kenya,” says political analyst John Kagwe. “His elevation to the Cabinet is a clear sign that Ruto wants to strengthen his alternative power base within the region.”

Legislative agenda: The protest ban proposal

Beyond politics, Ruku has also made his mark through legislative proposals that align closely with Ruto’s governance style. One of his most controversial moves was sponsoring a bill seeking to ban protests, a law that critics argued was an attempt to stifle opposition voices.

His proposal received widespread backlash from civil society groups and opposition figures, but Ruku remained resolute, arguing that Kenya’s political stability and economic progress were being undermined by frequent demonstrations.

In a heated parliamentary debate, Ruku defended the bill, stating, “We cannot allow a situation where businesses are destroyed, investors scared away, and the economy disrupted in the name of political rights. Governance requires order.”

This stance further solidified his image as a hardliner within the Ruto administration, willing to champion policies that critics say are designed to consolidate executive power.

Loyalty to Ruto: A path to power

Ruku’s unwavering commitment to Ruto has not gone unnoticed. Even when the government has faced criticism over economic hardships, unfulfilled promises, and accusations of nepotism, Ruku has remained one of the most vocal defenders of the administration.

During a recent TV interview, he dismissed concerns over Ruto’s handling of the economy, stating, “The President inherited a difficult situation. It takes time to fix the mess left behind. We need patience, not unnecessary politicking.”

His media appearances have consistently reinforced his pro-Ruto stance, even as other Mt. Kenya leaders have started to voice their frustrations. This loyalty has made him a reliable asset for the President, and his Cabinet appointment is widely seen as a reward for his steadfast support.

Ruku’s new role: A political test

As he transitions from Parliament to the Cabinet, Ruku faces a new set of challenges. The Public Service docket is a highly sensitive ministry responsible for handling government workforce issues, public sector reforms, and special programmes that affect millions of Kenyans.

How he navigates this role will be critical in determining whether his political influence continues to rise or fades under the weight of executive responsibilities.

Additionally, his role as a senior politician from Mt Kenya means that he will have to balance his duties as a CS with the ongoing political battle for the soul of the region. While his appointment strengthens the Kindiki-Ruto faction, it also puts him in direct confrontation with Gachagua’s allies, who see his rise as an attempt to undermine the DP’s influence.

What next for Ruku?

For now, Ruku’s star is on the rise. His appointment cements his place among the top political figures in Mt. Kenya, and his ability to deliver in his new role will determine how far he goes. His elevation to the Cabinet also signals Ruto’s long-term strategy: by empowering figures like Ruku, the President is ensuring that he has strong, loyal allies in key positions who can help him neutralize any internal threats to his rule.

However, the political landscape is ever-shifting, and Ruku will need to navigate it carefully. As political analyst Macharia Munene puts it, “Ruku has been given power, but power is a double-edged sword. How he wields it will determine whether he becomes a kingmaker or just another casualty in the never-ending battle for Mt. Kenya’s political soul.”

His next moves—both in government and in the political arena—will be closely watched, not just in Mt Kenya but across the country. Whether he truly becomes Ruto’s ‘Mr. Fix-It’ or merely a temporary political tool remains to be seen.