Meru Senator and Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi has dropped his 2027 gubernatorial ambitions and declared support for Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia’s re-election bid.
The announcement marks a major political realignment in the county ahead of the 2027 General Election which has attracted other political heavyweights.
Speaking during the Kamashinani football tournament, the Deputy Senate Speaker revealed that he was originally only interested in the governor’s seat following mounting pressure from the electorate.
“As your Senator, we have gone through hectic leadership. The county was heading in the wrong direction during the previous leadership. Persistent pleas by residents failed to bear any fruits leading to the impeachment,” said the Meru senator.
He said his initial bid was partly aimed at providing political competition for Kawira Mwangaza insisting that he later changed tactics following the impeachment.
Senator Kathuri lauded Mutuma for embracing collaboration among leaders, embracing peace, and tangible development projects across the entire County.
“I had declared to vie for the governor’s seat in 2027, which sent shivers to the impeached governor Kawira Mwangaza. But so far, we are going on well since Mutuma took office. We have witnessed peace and tangible developments across the county,” he said.
Kathuri is serving his first term as Senator.
Previously, he served for two terms as the South Imenti MP.
Governor Mutuma welcomed the endorsement and promised to perform his duties diligently.
He lauded the Senator for championing youth empowerment through sports and lobbying for more national resources to the county.
Mutuma has already declared his intentions to vie for the governor seat during the 2027 general election.
Kathuri urged the youth to nurture talent in athletics and football in order to earn a decent livelihood.
“Sports provide alternative source of income to keep youth away from drug and substance abuse, and create entertainment opportunities that benefit society,” said the Deputy Senate Speaker.
Edited by John Majau
