CS Ruku: Government to act on public servants in Sh6.2bn payroll fraud

The government will on Tuesday unveil measures targeting public servants implicated in the manipulation of the public service payroll following the discovery of a suspected Sh6.2 billion fraud.

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes CS Geoffrey Ruku said human resource managers found to have tampered with the payroll system will face action as the government moves to safeguard public resources.

Speaking at the Methodist Church of Kenya Tharaka Synod in Marimanti, Tharaka Nithi County on Sunday, Ruku said those found culpable would face legal action.

"The government has very strict instructions from the President on how the public service should operate and to ensure that no public funds are lost through salaries and other emoluments as a result of payroll manipulation," Ruku said.

"We must actualise Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which provide for the national values and principles of governance and public service."

The announcement follows a Cabinet directive ordering the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to investigate alleged payroll manipulation suspected to have cost the government Sh6.2 billion.

According to Ruku, the suspected fraud was uncovered through an audit conducted by the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes.

He said the government was committed to restoring integrity in the public service and ensuring accountability for those responsible for manipulating the payroll.

Ruku also said the State Department for Special Programmes had put in place measures to respond to the forecast El Niño rains and other extreme weather events.

"We are ready for any eventuality, and the government is prepared to take care of all Kenyans in case of any emergency," he said.

On politics, the CS urged residents of Mt Kenya East to remain united and continue supporting President William Ruto's administration, saying the region stands to benefit from being part of the government.

He said the appointment of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki presented an opportunity for the region to advance its development agenda.

"There are issues that we, as the Eastern region, need to examine keenly. We are fortunate that the President chose our son, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, as the Deputy President and that alone is reason enough to support the President for a second term," Ruku said.

He argued that Mt Kenya East had for many years lagged behind in development despite contributing to the country's growth.

"Our work has been to push others, even in terms of development, since independence. It is now their turn to support us," he said.

Ruku called on residents of Mt Kenya East and the wider Eastern region to vote as a bloc, saying unity would strengthen the region's bargaining power.

He also claimed available data showed disparities in electricity connectivity, water supply, road infrastructure and other development projects between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West.

"The people of Mt Kenya West are free to leave the government if they wish, but we in Mt Kenya East and the Eastern region will not abandon this government," Ruku said.

"Some of these leaders from Mt Kenya West have eaten and their bellies are full, but they should not show us their full bellies when some of our people are still hungry. Ukikula ukishiba, funika tumbo."

Ruku said Mt Kenya East would continue supporting President Ruto's administration to ensure the region benefits from development opportunities similar to those witnessed during previous governments.

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes CS Geoffrey Ruku attend a church service at the Methodist Church of Kenya Tharaka Synod in Marimanti, Tharaka Nithi County on June 5, 2026/ HANDOUT

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes CS Geoffrey Ruku attend a church service at the Methodist Church of Kenya Tharaka Synod in Marimanti, Tharaka Nithi County on June 5, 2026/ HANDOUT