Tuesday 01st September, 2026 03:01 PM|
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has appeared before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to respond to inflammatory remarks attributed to him.
Ruku appeared before the commission on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, following a summons over remarks in which he called for the splitting of the Mount Kenya region into East and West.
The Cabinet Secretary defended his remarks, arguing that advocating for the proposed regional split was within his political rights.
Speaking after the meeting, Ruku said he was obliged, as a state officer and public servant, to appear before constitutional institutions whenever summoned.
“As a state officer and public servant, I have to subject myself to all the constitutional institutions, and that’s why I came,” Roko said.
He described his engagement with the commission as cordial, saying the discussions had provided an opportunity to clarify issues surrounding his remarks.
“We had a very cordial and good discussion this morning with the entire commission, and we have clarified where we needed to clarify, and we are moving in a very good direction,” he added.
Ruku is the latest high-profile politician to appear before the NCIC over remarks considered potentially divisive.
Otuoma’s NCIC appearance
His appearance comes a day after Busia Governor Paul Otuoma and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma appeared before the commission following their respective summons.
The commission said it had taken note of their responses and was considering the matters before determining the appropriate way forward.
“Yesterday, 31 August 2026, the Commission received H.E. Dr. Paul Otuoma, Governor of Busia County, and Hon. Peter Kaluma, MP for Homa Bay Town Constituency, who honored the Commission’s summons to shed light on utterances attributed to them,” the commission stated.
“The Commission has taken note of their submissions and is considering the matters raised. NCIC remains vigilant, impartial, and firm in discharging its mandate. The Commission’s determination and the appropriate way forward will be communicated upon conclusion of its deliberations.”
The appearance marked a change from Kaluma’s initial position after he was summoned in August 2026.
Reason for Kaluma’s summoning
The commission had initially directed the MP to appear on August 19, 2026, over remarks made in Homa Bay on August 15, 2026, a day before the Linda Mwananchi political rally in the county.
Kaluma subsequently asked the NCIC to postpone his appearance, citing what he described as unavoidable state duties. He nevertheless indicated that he was willing to cooperate with the investigation and assist the commission in carrying out its mandate.
The NCIC is expected to issue its verdict on Roko’s case within one week, after considering his submissions and the issues raised during the session.
