From left: Long-time rivals Mithika Linturi, Peter Munya and Kiraitu Murungi
The political landscape in Meru is set for a significant shift after long-time rivals Kiraitu Murungi, Peter Munya, and Mithika Linturi convened a late-night meeting with a section of MPs and MCAs on Tuesday.
The meeting, held at a Meru MP’s residence in Karen, just minutes away from the Deputy President’s official residence, has sparked speculation, coming only hours after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki chaired a consultative forum of Meru leaders.
The gathering brought together 47 MCAs, MPs Karambu Kailemia (Woman Representative), John Mutunga (Tigania West), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), Dan Kiili (Igembe Central), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Shadrack Mwiti (Imenti South), and Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri). Also present were Njuri Ncheke elders, opinion leaders, and Meru County Assembly Speaker Ayub Bundi.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hosts a consultative forum with Meru leaders on priority development projects and implementation of Government programmes at his official residence in Karen on February 18, 2025.
Since the impeachment of Governor Kawira Mwangaza in August 2024, Meru has remained in a state of political turbulence. Mwangaza remains in office under a court order halting the Senate’s resolution to remove her. Justice Bahati Mwamuye has set March 14 as the date for a ruling on whether her impeachment met the legal threshold – a verdict that could shape Meru’s political future.
Despite Mr Munya and Mr Linturi having declared interest in the 2027 gubernatorial race, the two shared a platform for the first time in years.
Sources say the meeting was triggered by concerns over prolonged political instability, which has stalled development in the county.
It also followed two forums attended by the Deputy President, where leaders were denied a chance to speak due to ongoing political tensions.
At a Sunday ordination event in South Imenti, for example, only Prof Kindiki was allowed to speak despite the presence of Governor Mwangaza, her deputy Isaac Mutuma, and several MPs and MCAs.
During Tuesday’s consultative forum at the DP’s residence, elected leaders were once again barred from speaking. MPs were only permitted to read constituency caucus resolutions.
“Elected leaders cannot continue being silenced in meetings because of problems caused by an individual. Selflessness is a cost we are ready to pay,” said Minority Leader Mwenda Ithili.
Tigania West MP John Mutunga said the leaders had resolved to unite and chart Meru’s political future.
“It is no longer tenable for Meru leaders to sit and watch as the county goes astray. We will pronounce ourselves clearly after the court’s decision on 14th March. We will meet regularly to discuss our community’s issues,” he said.
Sources indicate that a series of bonding meetings will lead up to a major political gathering on March 14 or 15.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hosts a consultative forum with Meru leaders on priority development projects and implementation of Government programmes at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi county.
Meru Assembly Majority Whip Jim Muchui said the unity meeting was long overdue.
“The meeting was planned long before the Deputy President’s consultative forum. There has been a dire need for political direction in Meru. We agreed to set aside our differences and deal with any threats to the Meru community,” he said.
Meru County Assembly Deputy Speaker Mwenda Ali termed it “the beginning of efforts to unify Meru’s leadership.”
“Meru is in a serious mess, yet little is being done to correct it. We have agreed that 14th March will be Meru’s day of independence,” Mr Ali said.
However, Governor Mwangaza’s allies dismissed the meeting as an attempt by rivals to remove her from office by any means.
Former Majority Leader Evans Mawira downplayed its significance, arguing that previous efforts by the same leaders had failed.
“This is not the first time former leaders are coming together. When I led the fight against the governor, we met several times but did not succeed,” Mr Mawira said.
A faction of Njuri Ncheke elders, led by Mr Adriano Aruyaru, condemned Mr Murungi, Mr Munya, and Mr Linturi, accusing them of undermining the Deputy President’s forum.
