Abothuguchi West MCA aspirant Duncan Mutugi, popularly known as Dan from Githongo, has withdrawn his support for Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia’s administration, declaring that he will now back the opposition’s one-term campaign ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a press briefing in Meru, Mutugi said he arrived at the decision after assessing the state of affairs in the county and concluding that the current administration had failed to deliver for residents.
He said that despite defending Governor Mutuma’s leadership for months, he could no longer continue backing an administration that, in his view, has fallen short of the people’s expectations.
“Many people have seen me defending Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia’s second term. However, I have come to realize that supporting this government is like trying to fetch water with a gunny sack. It is an effort that produces nothing,” Mutugi said
The MCA hopeful noted it has become increasingly difficult to rally residents behind the county government because there are few visible achievements. He blamed both the county and national governments for poor service delivery, arguing that despite repeated promises, residents have seen little improvement in their lives.
“Nothing is reaching the ordinary mwananchi because both the county and national governments have too many loopholes. What reaches the people is noise instead of meaningful development,” Mutugi said.
Mutugi announced that he was immediately withdrawing his support for Governor Mutuma and the Kenya Kwanza administration, adding that he would no longer participate in campaigns advocating for the governor’s re-election.
He maintained that the decision was based on the interests of Meru residents rather than personal political considerations.
The MCA aspirant said he would instead join the opposition’s one-term movement associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Meru Senator Mithika Linturi, who is seeking the Meru governorship on the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ticket.
He argued that the county needs fresh leadership capable of restoring public confidence and improving service delivery.
“From today, I officially withdraw my support for Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia and the national government. I will no longer be part of the two-term movement because I believe Meru deserves a new direction,” Mutugi said
In addition, he also dismissed criticism from opponents who have accused him of shifting political allegiance whenever it suits his personal interests.
Mutugi argued that if personal gain had been his priority, he would have remained in the government’s camp instead of joining the opposition.
He insisted that his decision is driven by the desire to see residents benefit from development projects.
Mutugi further criticized the national government, saying several projects promised to Meru residents have yet to materialize.
He claimed the county is facing greater challenges than before, urging leaders to focus on addressing the needs of the people instead of political campaigns.
“Meru is in a worse situation than it was before. That is why I have chosen to join a movement that I believe can restore sanity and deliver meaningful development to our people,” Mutugi said.
