Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has said that Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu should not be viewed through the broader Mt. Kenya political lens.
Speaking in Meru County, Ruku argued that for many years the three counties have been politically grouped under the Mt. Kenya bloc, a situation he said has largely benefited other communities at the expense of local populations.
According to the CS, residents of Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu have distinct cultural, social and political identities that should be recognized independently. He noted that the counties have often been bundled together with the Kikuyu community in national political discourse and development negotiations.
Ruku claimed that this political classification has, over the years, contributed to national government projects and opportunities being directed elsewhere, leaving the three counties underrepresented in key development considerations.
He said the time had come for the people of Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu to chart their own political path and pursue development priorities based on their unique needs and aspirations.
The CS further called on leaders from the three counties to unite and speak with one voice on issues affecting their residents, saying a stronger regional bloc would improve their bargaining power with the national government.
His remarks are expected to trigger debate on the political alignment of the Mt. Kenya region and the evolving political dynamics in Eastern Kenya.
