The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has ordered Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku to immediately stop repeating or endorsing remarks that collectively blame the Kikuyu community for political and development grievances.
The directive follows an NCIC determination that remarks made by Ruku at Kiang’ondu in Tharaka Nithi County in July crossed the line from legitimate advocacy for identity and equitable development into divisive ethnic generalisation and collective blame.
The Commission found that Ruku’s references to Kikuyu people, including claims that people in Mt Kenya West believed Kenya belonged to them, turned grievances over development and public appointments into collective ethnic blame.
It said the remarks undermined equal dignity and harmonious relations and fell below the restraint expected of a Cabinet Secretary.
Ruku appeared before the Commission on September 1 with his counsel and admitted making the remarks. He argued that the Constitution protects distinct ethnic identities and the right to demand equitable development and public appointments.
He also denied harbouring ill will towards Kikuyu people and said his references to disparities between Mt Kenya East and West reflected concerns about development and appointments.
The Commission acknowledged that Ruku was entitled to identify as Mbeere, distinguish communities and demand equitable treatment. However, it said those rights did not permit collective blame against another ethnic community.
The NCIC also considered repeated imagery in which Ruku spoke of stepping on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s neck until he had no room to “breathe”.
The Commission understood the expression as figurative political language rather than a literal threat of physical injury. However, it found that such repeated imagery required greater restraint from a public leader.
The determination further found that Ruku’s position as a Cabinet Secretary amplified the influence of his remarks and increased his responsibility to uphold peaceful and inclusive public discourse.
As part of its corrective measures, the NCIC has ordered Ruku to withdraw publicly, in Kiswahili and English, the collective allegations that Kikuyu people regard Kenya as their property or are collectively responsible for inequitable development and appointments.
He must also affirm equal citizenship, dignity and freedom of political choice for all communities while recognising their right to preserve distinct identities.
A major element of the determination is an NCIC audit of ethnic diversity in national public establishments.
The Commission said the audit will assess individual institutions using official staffing and appointment records rather than assumptions based on people’s surnames.
The NCIC said public establishments are required to seek to reflect Kenya’s diversity and that no more than one third of an establishment’s staff should belong to one ethnic community.
The Commission said it will issue data requests within seven days of the determination. Affected institutions will be given an opportunity to verify the information and respond before any adverse institutional findings are published.
The Commission also recognised Ruku’s subsequent peace efforts, including the return of a symbolic axe, acceptance of a flywhisk and a later peace activity. However, it said these steps did not erase the adverse findings or complete the corrective process.
Ruku has seven days from the October 7 determination to accept or propose variations to the corrective measures.
The NCIC said it will monitor implementation of the agreed measures and public messaging for 12 months after completion of the conciliation terms.
