Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku addressing a meeting with members of the Akamba Clan's Governing Council in Wote, Makueni County on July 3, 2026. Photo by Komu Musango. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has assured Kenyans that the government has put in place comprehensive measures to mitigate the impact of the anticipated El Niño rains, while at the same time urging Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to work with President William Ruto for the benefit of the country.
Speaking on Friday during a meeting with members of the Akamba Clan's Governing Council in Wote, Makueni County, Ruku said the government was fully prepared to respond to any emergencies that could arise from the expected heavy rains.
He said the government had already developed contingency plans to cushion affected communities, including the distribution of relief food to vulnerable households across the country.
Ruku announced that the government would roll out a nationwide food distribution programme beginning next month to ensure that families facing food shortages receive assistance.
"The government is fully prepared. Even if the El Niño rains cause destruction, we will stand with wananchi and ensure no Kenyan is left without support," he said.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that President William Ruto's administration was not only investing in infrastructure such as roads, schools and hospitals, but was also committed to protecting the welfare of vulnerable Kenyans by guaranteeing access to food during difficult times.
Turning to politics, Ruku challenged Kalonzo Musyoka to put aside political differences and engage President Ruto in dialogue with a view to working together for national development.
He argued that Kalonzo, who has served in government for more than four decades, should embrace cooperation instead of remaining in opposition.
"If Kalonzo is willing, he has an opportunity to sit down with President William Ruto, agree and work together. If he chooses not to, Kenyans should not continue following leaders who have benefited from government for decades while offering little in return," Ruku said.
The Cabinet Secretary also accused the opposition leader of misleading Kenyans over the government's health insurance programme.
Ruku claimed that Kalonzo Musyoka and his family are among the beneficiaries of the government's health insurance scheme, despite the Wiper leader's public criticism of the programme.
"As government, we have paid health insurance for Kalonzo Musyoka's entire family, yet he continues claiming that the health scheme is not working. He is one of its biggest beneficiaries," Ruku alleged.
Ruku urged residents of the Ukambani region to support the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying they too deserved to benefit from government development programmes.
He cautioned them against what he described as being used for political interests that do not improve their livelihoods, insisting that the government's priority remains service delivery and improving the lives of all Kenyans.
