The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has voiced strong criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of sidelining the Meru community in key political appointments and decision-making processes.
Linturi, who was among those dismissed following the GenZ protests in June, expressed frustration over the perceived disregard for the community’s significant support during the 2022 general elections.
Speaking out on Sunday, Linturi emphasized that despite the Meru community’s substantial backing, which delivered 800,000 votes to Ruto, they have been overlooked by the current government. He lamented that their contributions to the President’s victory have gone unrecognized, and they are now being treated with disrespect.
“We are tired of being despised and sidelined. Our 800,000 votes must count,” Linturi declared. “We supported them, we voted for them, but now they treat us as if we don’t matter.”
Determined to address this issue, Linturi vowed to advocate for the rightful recognition of the Meru people in national leadership. “We will work day and night to restore the glory of Meru. Even if they despise us, we will stand firm and demand respect,” he asserted. Linturi further promised to ensure that the community’s future support would be more strategically focused, aiming to secure meaningful representation.
Linturi’s comments come in the wake of President Ruto’s recent Cabinet reshuffle, which has seen the appointment of several figures from former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration to prominent roles. Among the new appointments is Mutahi Kagwe, the former Health Cabinet Secretary, who will now lead the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
Other appointees include Lee Kinyanjui, former Governor of Nakuru, as Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, and William Kabogo, former Kiambu Governor, as Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy. Additionally, Kipchumba Murkomen has been shifted from Sports to Interior and National Administration.
State House has described the reshuffle as part of efforts to optimize government performance under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with a focus on improving service delivery and addressing national priorities such as food security and economic growth.
However, the reshuffle has sparked discontent among certain communities, including the Meru, who feel excluded from the new appointments. Linturi’s remarks underscore the growing frustration among key political bases, raising questions about the broader political implications of these decisions. As discussions on inclusivity and representation continue, the reshuffle’s impact on President Ruto’s support base remains a topic of heated debate.
