Geoffrey Ruku: Firebrand MP Ruto Handpicked to Replace CS Muturi, His Ex-Boss
Geoffrey Ruku is the new Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Public Service in Kenya. His appointment was announced on Wednesday, replacing Justin Muturi, who had held the position for only eight months.
Ruku is not new to politics. He is the current Member of Parliament (MP) for Mbeere North in Embu County, the same county that Muturi comes from. His political journey has been tough, with multiple attempts before securing his position in President William Ruto’s government.
Ruku’s Political Journey
The 44-year-old MP has contested various parliamentary seats over the years. He first ran for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat in 2013 under the Federal Party of Kenya (FPK), but he lost to Charles Njagagua.
In 2017, he aimed higher and contested for the Embu Senate seat under the Jubilee Party but was defeated by Njeru Ndwiga.
In 2022, Ruku finally won the Mbeere North parliamentary seat under the Democratic Party (DP). He defeated Njagagua, who was seeking a third term. Ruku secured 17,069 votes, narrowly beating Muriuki Njagagua of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), who got 16,422 votes. Other candidates included Patrisio Njiru and Njuki Ngari.
Ruku’s Education and Career
Ruku holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. He later earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy and International Relations from the University of Nairobi in 2005. In 2009, he completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance.
While in university, he served as the chairman of the Mbeere University Students Association (MUSA). Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. at the Wangari Maathai Institute of Peace Studies, University of Nairobi.
Before joining politics, Ruku worked as a Mashav Coordinator at the Embassy of Israel. He also founded Carbon Manna Africa and Climate Pal and was an independent contractor at Fair Climate Southern Africa.
Ruku’s Influence in Ruto’s Administration
Despite being a first-term MP, Ruku is a strong supporter of President William Ruto. He has actively defended Ruto’s administration, even as some leaders in the Mount Kenya region criticize the government over unfulfilled promises.
In 2023, Ruku played a key role in shifting political influence in Mount Kenya. He declared that 47 MPs from the region recognized CS Kithure Kindiki as their link to the Executive, distancing themselves from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Hannah Wendot: The New Gender, Culture, and Arts Cabinet Secretary
Hannah Wendot Cheptumo has been appointed as the new CS for Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage. She is the widow of the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, who passed away in February.
Wendot is a lawyer by profession. She was inspired by her husband to pursue law and previously worked at a government office in Nyayo House before joining her husband’s law firm.
During Cheptumo’s funeral on March 1, 2025, President William Ruto promised to give Hannah a job in honor of her late husband. However, he did not disclose the exact position at that time.
As the new Gender CS, Wendot will oversee policies that promote gender equality, cultural diversity, and artistic expression in Kenya.
Geoffrey Ruku: Firebrand MP Ruto Handpicked to Replace CS Muturi, His Ex-Boss
