The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has found that Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku’s remarks made in Kiang’ondu, Tharaka Nithi County, in July 2026 crossed the line from advocacy for equitable development into divisive ethnic generalisations and collective blame.
In its determination, the Commission said Ruku’s comments about Mt Kenya East and West, including references to Kikuyu people and ethnic surnames, undermined equal dignity and harmonious relations.
NCIC has issued an immediate cessation notice and directed a remedial conciliation process. It has also ordered an ethnic and diversity audit of national public establishments.
Ruku appeared before the Commission on September 1, 2026, accompanied by his lawyer, and admitted making the remarks. He argued that the Constitution protects ethnic identities and allows communities to raise concerns over equitable development and public appointments.
The Commission acknowledged his subsequent peace efforts as a substantial first step but said they did not erase its adverse findings or complete the corrective process.
NCIC said Ruku was entitled to identify as Mbeere and raise concerns over regional development and appointments, but such rights did not permit collective blame against another community.
The Commission further said claims of ethnic disparities in public appointments must be supported by verified institutional data rather than assumptions based on surnames.
