A section of Meru leaders led by Governor Isaac Mutuma have vowed to stand by President William Ruto despite growing opposition in the Mt Kenya region.
The Kiraitu Murungi led Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) popularly known as ‘Mbus’ has also changed tune vowing to stand by the president days after some of their officials and PNU party leader Peter Munya joined the opposition.
The opposition has been firming up in the region with political bigwigs Mithika Linturi and Peter Munya being the latest to join former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s camp.
Mr Munya and Mr Linturi have vowed to rally Meru residents to join the opposition through their influence to unseat president Ruto.
However, Governor Mutuma, former governor Kiraitu Murungi, Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri and Moses Kirima (Imenti Central) and ‘Mbus’ party delegates vowed to ring fence President Ruto’s support in the county.
Speaking during the swearing in ceremony of Deputy Governor Linda Gakii, Governor Mutuma appealed to residents to remain in the president’s camp despite growing dissent.
“I am working closely with the president to fast-track development projects in Meru. Through the good relationship I have with the president, the national government is upgrading our referral hospital to a level six facility. The national government is also in the process of sharing Meru National Park revenue with the county,” Governor Mutuma said.
However, Mr Rindikiri’s attempt to defend President Ruto’s track record was met with booing.
Governor Mutuma sought to cool the tempers and implored residents not to heckle leaders who speak in support of the president.
He argued that Meru County is on the verge of benefiting under the current administration.
“Why should we heckle leaders who speak about the president yet the head of state has most of the resources that we need for development? A wise leopard does not make noise while hunting,” he said.
The governor added, “We cannot be too foolish to run away from the president at the time of development.”
Addressing journalists in Meru town, ‘Mbus’ party delegates from Meru county said they will not be swayed by the opposition political currents sweeping across the region.
This comes a month after DEP national officials led by Mr Murungi distanced themselves from the Kenya Kwanza administration citing it for disregarding their past support.
But in a statement read by branch secretary Alhaji Mwendia on Friday, the party delegates said the DEP was still working closely with president Ruto with a view of securing development for the people of Meru.
“We are in partnership with the national government to ensure constructive engagement on issues affecting our people. As a party, we will support President Ruto’s administration and pursue the realization of the promises he made to us. Our focus is on political sobriety and dignity,” Mwendia said.
He however said the party delegates would convene early next year to review their position about supporting the government.
Party insiders say that it was not strategic for Murungi’s party to join the opposition after a similar move by Munya and Linturi.
By joining the opposition, insiders believe, the ‘Mbus’ Party would pave the way for President Ruto to have no other option but work with former governor Kawira Mwangaza who still enjoys a significant following in the grassroots.
“Let it be known that the ‘Mbus’ Party is the president’s support system in Meru County. Do not be misled into trooping to the opposition too early,” nominated MCA Secondina Kanini said.
Murungi said despite their earlier position, party delegates had resolved to remain in government.
“We will not join the opposition just because some leaders have done so. We met the president as Meru leaders and he has promised several projects. Therefore, we are not in a rush to leave the government. It will be akin to dropping the pot when the food is cooking,” Murungi said.
He urged governor Mutuma to work closely with the president despite increasing political noise in the region.
“As the Bus Party leader, we will continue supporting Governor Mutuma but I advise him to cultivate a close and good relationship with the President,” Mr Murungi said.
Kirima said Meru residents should not be lured into supporting the opposition at the expense of pursuing government resources.
“I pray that the people of Meru remain in government because we suffered so much under the President Daniel Moi regime for being in the opposition. We should not repeat the same mistakes,” the MP said.
Meru, which is deputy president Kithure Kindiki’s backyard, is being eyed by both the government and opposition camps targeting the more than 700,000 votes.
DP Kindiki has toured the county several times in the last one month to stamp his authority in the region.
Prof Kindiki is also expected in Meru on Saturday for a fundraiser targeting women groups in Buuri Constituency, as part of his effort to wrestle the opposition leaders.
Last week, several UDA politicians led by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa helped raise about Sh9 million for boda boda riders in Tigania West Constituency and urged them to help in rallying support for the president.
“The president is doing a lot of work across the country but there is an attempt to sell a different narrative. The boda boda riders are critical opinion shapers. As you ferry passengers, inform them about the good work the government is doing,” Tigania West MP John Mutunga said.
Meanwhile, the Meru governor vowed to work closely with her deputy, promising to avoid public spats.
“I promise that my deputy governor will never go through the pain I went through under governor Kawira Mwangaza. I will not subject her to the insubordination of juniors that I went through. I will respect the deputy’s office as I respect the people of Meru,” he said.
