Geoffrey Ruku issued NCIC cessation notice over divisive remarks

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued a cessation notice to Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku following divisive ethnic remarks made in July 2026 at Kiang’ondu, Tharaka Nithi County.

The Commission determined that Ruku’s comments crossed the line from legitimate advocacy for identity and equitable development into “divisive ethnic generalization and collective blame.” The NCIC stated that the remarks undermined equal dignity and harmonious relations, failing to meet the level of restraint expected of a Cabinet Secretary.

Ruku has been directed to immediately stop repeating, publishing, or endorsing these collective ethnic allegations. Additionally, he must publicly withdraw his claims—specifically those suggesting the Kikuyu people regard Kenya as their property or are collectively responsible for inequitable development—in both English and Kiswahili within seven days. The NCIC has also initiated a remedial conciliation process and ordered an ethnic and diversity audit of national public establishments.