CS Ruku Faults Gachagua Over Remarks on Ruto, Macron

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku has sharply criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks directed at President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron during the Africa Forward Summit, terming the statements disrespectful to both leaders and other Heads of State who attended the high-level forum.

Speaking during a Special Programmes outreach in Mavindini Ward, Makueni County, Ruku said Gachagua’s remarks were unfortunate and portrayed disregard for diplomatic engagement among world leaders.

“The former Deputy President’s remarks are unfortunate and create the impression that he believes he is wiser than all the Heads of State and governments elected by their respective countries. He needs to learn some diplomacy on how to deal with foreign countries and international leaders,” Ruku said.

The Cabinet Secretary maintained that the Africa Forward Summit was an important platform that brought together leaders to deliberate on regional integration, trade, investment, peace, and development across the continent. He said President Ruto’s participation and engagements with fellow leaders, including President Macron, were aimed at strengthening Kenya’s diplomatic and economic interests.

Ruku further noted that the gathering of Heads of State was also focused on finding long-term solutions to make African countries economically independent and reduce overreliance on foreign borrowing and unsustainable debt burdens.

He said African leaders were exploring ways of strengthening local economies, expanding intra-African trade, attracting productive investments, and creating sustainable growth models that would enable countries to operate without the heavy burden of loans.

According to the CS, criticizing such engagements not only undermined the dignity of the presidency but also disrespected the collective efforts of leaders working to transform Africa’s economic future and strengthen cooperation among nations.

Ruku defended President Ruto’s international engagements, saying they are critical in attracting foreign investment, expanding markets for Kenyan products, creating jobs for the youth, and strengthening bilateral partnerships that directly benefit wananchi through economic growth and development.

He maintained that Kenya cannot afford divisive politics at a time when the government is focused on transforming the economy and implementing key development programmes meant to uplift the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

Ruku further said the government remains committed to delivering on its development agenda and will not be distracted by political statements aimed at creating division among Kenyans.

During the visit, the CS also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the completion of the Thwake Dam project, describing it as a transformative infrastructure programme that will provide reliable water for irrigation and domestic use, boost agricultural productivity, and enhance food security in the lower Eastern region.

He assured residents that the government remains fully committed to ensuring the successful completion of the multi-billion-shilling project, saying it will play a major role in improving livelihoods and strengthening climate resilience in arid and semi-arid areas.