By Hon Mwiti Kathendu
Today’s events in Nkubu and Meru Town—where stones were thrown and tires burned in the name of politics—are not only unfortunate but a dangerous diversion from Meru’s proud history of peace and dialogue.
These acts of violence must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. They are not an expression of political strength; they are a sign of strategic confusion.
As a region, we must ask ourselves: who benefits from this chaos? Is it the people of Meru? Is it the President?
Certainly not. The only beneficiaries are the opposition figures who have no development agenda and are desperate to revive their political careers using the same tactics of conflict, sympathy, and blame.
Opposition Without an Agenda Thrives on Chaos
Let us be clear. The current opposition in Meru and nationally is not offering solutions. Their slogan is shallow but calculated: “Ruto Must Go.” It is not anchored in economic ideas, nor public policy, nor legislative achievement. It is a hollow chant designed to provoke emotions.
When we, as pro-government leaders or supporters, allow ourselves to engage in violent responses—blocking roads, burning tires, disrupting rallies—we are not defeating the opposition. We are giving them relevance and media attention they have not earned.
In fact, by reacting with force, we become the scriptwriters of their political playbook. We turn them into victims. We feed them exactly what they want: sympathy and screen time.
Why Strategic Unity is Meru’s Only Path Forward
This is why I have persistently called for unity among Meru leaders. And yes, I have proposed that Senator Kathuri Murungi be considered for appointment as a Cabinet Secretary. This is not politics of personality—it is politics of positioning. It is a strategic move to give Meru a solid, credible, and unifying voice at the national level.
But sadly, some of our fellow MPs have responded with pettiness and hostility. They have mocked unity efforts. They have dismissed Kathuri’s elevation without offering a single viable alternative for how Meru will gather votes for President William Ruto in 2027.
This disoriented, solo-driven approach can only lead to failure—for the individual leaders and for the community at large. You cannot secure victory for yourself or the President by attacking those who are proposing a way forward. You cannot inspire public confidence while throwing stones at each other in public forums.
Let us Return to Meru’s Political Roots – Peace, Thoughtfulness, Dialogue
Meru has always been a region of reasoning, not rage. From the legacy of Jackson Angaine to the legislative minds of Kiraitu Murungi and others, we have debated fiercely, but with decorum. We have never let emotions override ideas.
Let us not adopt imported chaos as our new political culture. Let us not raise a generation of youth who think shouting and violence are political tools. Instead, we must teach them that true politics is about service, unity, vision, and delivery.
With Two Years to Go—Let’s Use Time Wisely
The 2027 elections are still over two years away. This is the time for groundwork, for building networks, for delivering results to our people. Not for burning rubber or bruising each other’s reputation.
Let Meru return to being a place where politicians win by their record, not by their retweets or chaos.
Let us challenge the opposition not with stones, but with tough questions:
• What did you do when you were in power?
• How have our lives changed because of your leadership?
• Why should we believe you now?
A Paradigm Shift Is Now Urgently Needed
Your Excellency the President, and Your Excellency Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, allow me to humbly and firmly say this: Meru is too strategic to be left in disarray.
We now require a paradigm shift—not business as usual. The time has come for a complete reorganization of Meru’s government-affiliated leadership. All elected and appointed leaders who serve under your administration must be called to order.
Those who speak for the government must speak in one voice, and there must be a clear political commander to coordinate the Meru agenda in your government.
But more urgently, there are appointees and known sympathizers of your administration who have openly joined the opposition entourage. Some are hiding in plain sight—funding anti-government campaigns while enjoying state appointments. Others are publicly defying your leadership while still wearing the coat of government service.
Mr President, if you desire sanity in Meru, strike the whip. Reorganize the house. Weed out the saboteurs. Reinforce the loyal.
We deeply respect Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, a son of the mountain, and recognize his national stature. Let Meru set an example of loyalty and discipline, not disintegration and betrayal, where leaders are competing to outshine one another on who can throw the stones further or shout the loudest without a clear strategy to cheer people towards the government.
Similarly, it should sink to the Meru nation’s mind that this is the first time they have a Deputy President in Kenya. The choice is their’s and ramifications will be seen. To choose to retain power or goose search.
My Final Word: Stones Do Not Win Elections—Strategy Does:
To my fellow leaders; this is not the time for bitterness. It is the time for building.
Let us stop giving our enemies free oxygen. Let us deny them the sympathy they crave. Let us unite—not behind individuals, but behind ideas that uplift our people.
Let the Meru voter see leaders who are disciplined, visionary, and respectful of peace. That is the only way to win—both our seats and the confidence of the people.
