Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has filed a defamation suit against Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia at the High Court in Meru, seeking at least Sh 50 million in damages over alleged defamatory remarks made during public rallies in Meru County.
In the suit filed under Civil Suit No. E005 of 2026, Linturi accuses Governor Mutuma of maliciously linking him to the burning of Magunas Supermarket in Meru town and the Cereals Board depot in Maua during a political rally held at Makutano on March 8, 2026.
According to court papers, Linturi says the governor, while addressing a rally attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and other leaders, publicly declared in Kimeru and Kiswahili that he was responsible for setting Magunas ablaze and misleading Meru residents.
The remarks were later circulated widely on television, radio and social media platforms, amplifying what Linturi terms as serious reputational damage.
The former senator argues that the statements portrayed him as an arsonist, thief, immoral leader and dishonest politician, allegations he says are false and intended to destroy his political standing ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial race.
In his plaint, Linturi states that investigations into the Magunas and Cereals Board incidents had already been concluded and suspects charged in court, adding that he has never been summoned, questioned or charged over the incidents.
He further claims that despite a formal demand letter dated March 10, 2026 requiring Governor Mutuma to retract the remarks and apologise, the governor allegedly repeated similar claims at another rally in Laare, Maua, the same day.
Linturi also told the court that the remarks have already triggered disciplinary concerns within his party, Democracy for Citizens Party, after he received a summons from the party’s National Executive Committee to explain allegations touching on integrity and alleged criminal conduct.
In the case, Linturi says the utterances have exposed him to ridicule, damaged his political career, affected business confidence and caused emotional distress to him and his family.
He is seeking a court declaration that the remarks were defamatory, a mandatory public apology by the governor, a permanent injunction barring further similar statements, general damages of not less than Sh 50 million, aggravated damages, costs of the suit and interest.
Two witnesses have also filed statements supporting the suit, claiming the governor’s remarks caused hostility among sections of Meru voters and negatively affected Linturi’s political image on the ground.
The matter is expected to come up before the High Court in Meru for directions.
Edited by John Majau
