Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, fondly known as GK Ruku, is not just an ordinary Member of Parliament; he is the MP-elect for Mbeere North and possibly the tallest man to ever grace the hallowed halls of Kenya’s Parliament.
Standing tall at an impressive 6.5 feet, he is no stranger to the stares and curiosity that his towering presence elicits.
But beyond his extraordinary height, Ruku brings a clear vision and a wealth of experience to the political landscape of Kenya.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Background
As a seasoned politician and a dedicated public servant, Ruku is no stranger to leadership roles.
During his school days, he served as the school captain in both primary school and Siakago Boys High School, honing his leadership skills from an early age.
Ruku’s journey to the political stage was not without its fair share of challenges.
Twice before, he vied for a parliamentary seat in 2013 and 2017 but faced defeat.
In 2013, he was a member of the United Republican Party (URP), but an agreement between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto to zone certain regions meant he had to change his party affiliation and run under the Federal Party of Kenya (FPK) led by Cyrus Jirongo.
Despite his efforts, unforeseen circumstances and electioneering tactics saw him lose to a less popular candidate.
“On the eve of the election and without my knowledge, my opponents printed and displayed posters with my portrait and that of Raila Odinga who was not popular in my region and that’s how I lost,” He told the Nairobian
In 2017, he attempted to run on a Jubilee ticket for Embu Senate but faced defeat yet again, this time in what he claimed was a bungled nomination process.
Unfazed by the setbacks, Ruku persisted, determined to serve his people and make a meaningful impact on their lives.
Third time proved to be the charm for Ruku.
In the 2022 elections, he contested for the parliamentary seat in Mbeere North under the Democratic Party (DP), which is currently headed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Justin Muturi.
This time, his dedication, early preparation, and consistent efforts paid off.
With sheer determination and a clear vision for Mbeere North, he secured a resounding victory, trouncing the incumbent and emerging as the MP-elect.
Ruku’s commitment to education and personal growth is evident from his academic journey.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, a Post-graduate Diploma in Diplomacy and International Relations from the University of Nairobi, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Finance from the same institution.
Apart from his political endeavors, Ruku is deeply passionate about environmental conservation.
He founded Carbon Manna Africa, an NGO that advocates for democratizing carbon offset at the household level in Kenya.
Additionally, he is the founding director of Climate Pal Ltd, a joint venture company that implements carbon emissions reduction projects in Kenya, contributing to the nation’s green growth and sustainable development.
As the tallest MP in Parliament, Ruku brings a unique perspective and presence to the political arena.
However, his focus remains on serving the people of Mbeere North and working towards a brighter future for Kenya.
While he may not be the tallest man in Kenya, that distinction goes to Jackson Koskei, standing at an astounding 7.3 feet.
