Public Service and Human Capital Development Cabinet Secretary nominee, Geoffrey Ruku, was today put on his defence over his short two years experience  in the public sector  even as questions on controversial bills he sponsored in parliament took center stage.

The former Mbeere North MP, was appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetangula, for approval to join President William Ruto’s cabinet.

The outspoken legislator, who has curved out an image of a spirited defender of the government, was pushed to explain the motive behind his Assembly and Demonstrations Bill 2024 which was widely taken as an attempt to curtail Kenyans’ freedom to protest after the deadly Gen Z protests of June last year.

The nominee insisted that the proposed law was meant to ensure public order during demonstrations, some which have turned violent.

“Peaceful and unarmed demonstrations are in the intent and letter of our constitution. The others where we have lost lives, property, and vandalism are not foreseen by the constitution,” said Ruku.

Further, Ruku was hard pressed on The Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2023 which the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Attorney General opposed as it could have made it more difficult to hold those accused of corruption accountable.

The MPs also grilled their former colleague in the house on challenges ailing the public service including a demotivated workforce, ghost workers and the country’s bloated wage bill which may be complicated further as the government moves to absorb unemployed Kenyans.

“A time sheet for civil servants reporting to work will be important moving forward. We’ll know when one reports to work, their output that particular day, and when they left the work station,” remarked Ruku.

Meanwhile, Ruku wants the Teachers Service Commission Act to be reviewed to separate TSC’s functions such as hiring and promotion, adding that the commission needs three executive managers as opposed to the current single CEO.

These measures, he says, will address alleged corruption within TSC as the body fights allegations of irregular employment of teachers.

On Miraa and Muguka fallout that pitied leaders from Meru and Coast regions against each other in June last year, Ruku maintained his hard stance on the matter insisting that science had proved the medicinal and economic value of the plant despite health concerns.

“There exists research published in scientific journals on benefits of Muguka and Miraa at both Meru and Kenyatta universities,” insisted Ruku.

Additionally, Ruku’s integrity was cast in doubt by petitioners who had accused the legislator of defaulting in making his rent and water payments despite his declared net worth of Sh377 million.

Ruku denied the claims citing the active status of a related court matter while promising not to divert public funds to pay the debts.

“I confirm I have not defaulted or defrauded anybody on matters of rent or other private engagement, but we have very crooked people out there who may want to defraud others because of their titles and can come up with all manner of claims,” said Ruku.

The first time MP who has only served for two years will replace his Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi who was sacked from the cabinet, if successful.