Kenya’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ambassador Halima Mucheke, has commended former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi for what she described as his candid remarks on the political interests of the Meru community following his recent interviews with local media stations.
In a statement, Mucheke, who is based in The Hague, appreciated Linturi for bringing the conversation to the fore, but did not declare support for him, instead focusing her remarks on his willingness to openly discuss issues she believes are important to the Meru community.
“I wish to commend Hon. Mithika Linturi for his candid and forthright statement. At a time when our politics can easily divide us, honesty and courage in expressing our position are important,” Mucheke said.
She said political differences among leaders should not prevent the Meru community from identifying areas where its interests converge, particularly when it comes to its representation and influence at the national level.
Mucheke noted that while those seeking the Meru governorship are all members of the community, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki occupies a significant position nationally, and she called on residents to consider rallying around their shared interests.
“Let us also remember that all those aspiring for the governorship are sons of the soil, but at the national level, H.E. Kithure Kindiki remains the only Meru son serving at that level. This is therefore a moment for Merus, for the first time, to speak with one voice in support of our own, just as we have consistently stood with and supported our neighbours,” she said
According to Mucheke, supporting leaders from the community does not require disrespecting or disregarding others. She argued that people can hold different political opinions while still coming together when issues affecting their wider community arise.
“There is nothing wrong with supporting our own while respecting everyone else. Unity does not mean that we must all think alike; it means that, when it matters, we can come together around a common interest,” Mucheke said.
She further called on the Meru community to move beyond internal political differences and organize around issues that affect its collective interests, saying unity would strengthen its voice in national affairs.
Mucheke said the community should recognize areas where it shares common interests despite differences in political affiliations, preferred candidates or individual opinions.
She emaphsized that even though she doesn’t supoort Mithika Linturi she is appreciating Linturi for openly raising the matter and creating room for a wider conversation about the political interests and unity of the Meru community.
“Kudos, Mithika Linturi, for speaking candidly and putting this important conversation on the table,” Mucheke said.
