Former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi leads a delegation from Meru to Wamunyoro on April 24, 2025. PHOTO/SCREENGRAB
Former
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, on April 24, led a delegation of
key political leaders from the Meru region in officially joining former Deputy
President Rigathi Gachagua’s camp.
The ex-CS was among several political heavyweights who gathered at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence for strategic talks, as the political landscape in the Mt. Kenya region continues to shift.
This latest delegation—one of the most significant from Mount Kenya East—could undermine Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s efforts to consolidate the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The move also highlights Gachagua’s growing influence in the region despite his ouster and a subsequent pushback from Kindiki and his allies within the Kenya Kwanza government.
Recently, Kindiki hosted President William Ruto for an extensive tour of the Mt. Kenya region, during which Ruto promised to offer jobs to Linturi and former Meru Governor Peter Munya.
Speaking in Meru on April 3, during his five-day tour of the vote-rich region, Ruto said he was in talks with both Munya and Linturi to join an expanded, broad-based government.
“I am in talks with them. I already have a plan for them,” Ruto assured the public after Meru Governor Elias Muthuma appealed for the two leaders to be accommodated, emphasising their capability to serve the country and contribute to its growth.
However, in a surprising twist, Munya announced his intention to focus on reclaiming the Meru gubernatorial seat in 2027, rather than accepting a government appointment.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 23, he dismissed any speculation about joining the government, stating that his sole political focus is the Meru governorship.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am focusing on running for the Meru governor seat in the upcoming elections. I want to make it very clear that I am not looking for any other job; the only job I’m seeking is Governor of Meru,” he declared.
Munya added that he has not received any job offers, and even if approached, he would decline them.
“I don’t have the time or luxury to serve in any other position. I have not been offered any job by anyone, and even if I am, I will not accept it,” he reiterated.
While it remains unclear whether Munya will align himself with Gachagua or remain with Kenya Kwanza, the political dynamics in the Mt. Kenya region are evolving rapidly as the 2027 elections draw near.
Gachagua has intensified his consultations with political leaders from across the region, signaling a strong effort to secure Mt. Kenya's political loyalty.
