A section of Embu Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) allied to the government have defended Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Geoffrey Ruku against political intimidation allegations by the opposition Ward Representatives.

CS Ruku has been criticised by opposition MCAs from Mbeere South Constituency for allegedly pressuring them to back President William Ruto’s administration or else he will campaign against them in the coming 2027 elections.

They accused the CS of arm-twisting them to force their support for the Government, saying he should not use his position in the Government to try to dictate the political future of the electorate or determine who will be elected.

In defense, UDA MCAs led by Majority Leader Murithi Kobole asserted that CS Ruku was right in supporting and fielding candidates against politicians opposed to the Government’s development agenda.

Speaking at the County Assembly Grounds on Friday, Kobole who is also Mbeti North Ward MCA said leaders opposing the Government of the day should not expect a free pass in the coming polls.

“ The Cabinet Secretary was within his constitutional rights to support candidates of his choice, including those seeking to unseat incumbent MCAs opposed to the Kenya Kwanza administration,” he said.

The MCAs maintained that political competition was an integral part of democracy, dismissing complaints from those in the opposition who criticized Ruku over his remarks and alleged attempts to influence the political direction of the Ward Representatives.

He further suggested that MCAs from Mbeere South complaining about Ruku’s political activities should recognize that succession battles and the emergence of rival candidates were part of the democratic process.

The unfolding dispute signals growing political realignments in Embu County as leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with loyalty to President Ruto’s administration emerging as a key point of contention among elected leaders.

However, the allegations of intimidation and political interference raised by the opposing MCAs remain contested, setting the stage for further political exchanges as the race for elective positions gathers momentum.

by Samuel Waititu