Protests Bill comes back to haunt Ruku during CS interview

Controversial parliamentary Bills sponsored by Public Service Cabinet Secretary nominee Geoffrey Ruku during his tenure as Mbeere North MP resurfaced during his vetting.

Ruku, who appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, had a difficult time convincing members that his anti-corruption and anti-demonstrations bills were in the country’s best interest.

He was being vetted alongside Hanna Cheptumo, the nominee for Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed questioned Ruku about his proposed amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act, which sought to alter the tendering process.

“I would like to ask Geoffrey Ruku whether he is truly prepared to serve the country as a Cabinet Secretary, considering he was often hawkish and acted more as a defender for a leader in Parliament, defending the side he represented instead of advocating for the country’s interests,” said Junet.

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Ruku responded by stating that the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act seemed to criminalise the procurement process, and he argued that too much money was being spent on the administration of justice.

He further explained that his proposed Administration and Assembly Bill did not restrict rights but rather aimed to protect the rights of individuals who did not participate in demonstrations or picketing.

Ruku emphasised that the Bill was motivated by the belief that no life or property should be lost during public demonstrations.

Kathiani MP Robert Mbui pointed out that violence in public demonstrations is often sparked by excessive use of force by police officers, labelling the Bill as a government attempt to outlaw protests.

Ruku also disclosed to the committee that his net worth amounted to Sh377 million, which includes properties, shares in companies, and various investments across sectors.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah observed that Ruku had only served in public office for two years, adding that “politicians who have served for just one term in Parliament often become arrogant and bossy when they transition into the Executive.”

“I promise not to be bossy or arrogant when carrying out my duties,” Ruku responded.

Gender nominee Cheptumo expressed her commitment to championing the establishment of gender desks in hospitals.

Cheptumo said the gender desks would provide psycho-social support to victims of gender-based violence.

Ichung’wah questioned her suitability for the role of CS, given that she had only served as a Cooperatives Officer in the Ministry of Cooperatives before venturing into private legal practice.

Cheptumo explained that she had worked in the Ministry of Cooperatives for 14 years before transitioning into private practice, where she managed a law firm established by her late husband, Baringo Senator William Cheptumo. She assured the committee that she would work closely with other officers in the Ministry.

“I believe that my experience as a Cooperatives officer, managing partner in our law firm, and my work in church and the community as the spouse of a politician have adequately prepared me for this noble duty to serve the nation,” Cheptumo said.

She revealed that her family’s net worth was Sh420 million, which includes a Sh100 million home in Karen, a Sh15 million home in Nakuru, and other investments.