Linturi Rubbishes Claims of Mt Kenya East Political Split

By : Mweru Mbugua

Democracy for the Citizens Party national organising secretary Mithika Linturi has dismissed claims that Mt Kenya East is planning to break away from the wider Mt Kenya region to pursue a separate political path

Speaking on Wednesday, the former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary criticised Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, accusing them of peddling narratives that risk deepening political divisions in the region

Linturi also faulted elected leaders from Mt Kenya East for what he termed as silence amid growing political uncertainty, warning that the region was sliding into chaos

He questioned Ruku’s authority to speak on behalf of Mt Kenya East, accusing him of abandoning the electorate that voted him into office

“Ruku has no moral authority to speak for Mt Kenya East. He was elected by the people of Mbeere, served for only two years and then abandoned his seat to join the Cabinet. Now he wants to lecture us,” Linturi said

Linturi further accused President William Ruto of betraying leaders from the region who had backed his political ambitions, including himself, former Attorney General Justin Muturi and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

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“If President Ruto could betray Linturi, Muturi and Gachagua leaders who supported him financially and hosted him in their homes what makes anyone else think they are different?” he posed

He also took a swipe at Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, questioning her political influence within the region and suggesting she lacked a firm grasp of local dynamics

The remarks come amid shifting political alignments in the Mt Kenya region, with leaders increasingly divided over its future direction as the country inches closer to the next election cycle