Kathuri Murungi says DCP sidelined Meru by picking Methu over Linturi
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 25, 2026Meru Senator and Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi has criticised the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) over its leadership structure, arguing that the party has sidelined senior Meru politicians by appointing Nyandarua Senator John Methu as Secretary General instead of former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
Speaking during the 11th Annual Meru Dairy Farmers Field Day at the ASK Gitoro Showground in Meru County on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Murungi said Meru leaders would only consider working with other political formations if they were treated with respect and given equal standing.
His remarks came as debate continues over DCP’s leadership following the appointment of Methu as acting Secretary General in May. DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua said at the time that Methu would serve in the position pending formal ratification because he was elected to the Senate on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
Addressing Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Murungi argued that the appointment overlooked Linturi’s long political career despite his seniority within the party.
“Hakuna kuwa pamoja bila condition. Kama jamaa wengine wataka tuwe pamoja, lazima na sisi tuketi, tuseme tuko pamoja na nyuma yako [Kindiki]. Sio nyuma ya mtu mwingine,” he said.
He maintained that Meru leaders should not be expected to support political arrangements that diminish their influence.
Murungi questions DCP Secretary General appointment
The Meru senator questioned why DCP settled on Methu instead of Linturi, saying the former Cabinet Secretary has significantly more political experience.
“Kati ya huyu kijana tuko naye Senate tunafunza kazi Senate Methu, na kiongozi yetu Mithika Linturi. Sasa nani anapaswa kuwa Secretary General wa chama? Ni Mithika ama ni huyu Methu huyu mono nafunza leo? Hiyo si ni madharau tunafanyiwa,” Murungi said.
He noted that Linturi has served for ten years as a Member of Parliament, five years as senator and later as a Cabinet Secretary, making him one of the region’s most experienced politicians.
Murungi argued that placing Methu above Linturi sends the wrong message to Meru residents.
“Hakuna vile Methu ndiye mdosi wa Linturi. Linturi amefanya miaka ngapi? Kumi bunge. Amekuwa seneta miaka tano. Amekuwa waziri. Ati Methu ndiye mdosi wa Linturi,” he said.
According to Murungi, the decision reflects a lack of respect for Meru within the opposition party.
He claimed the DCP leadership deliberately avoided giving the Secretary General’s position to a Meru politician despite the region producing leaders with extensive experience.
“Sababu ya madharau, huyo party leader hangependa kuona hiyo Secretary General ikikuja upande ya Meru, sababu anadharau Meru,” he said.
Reference to DCP leadership changes
Murungi’s remarks follow changes announced by Gachagua on May 25, 2026 when DCP named Methu acting Secretary General after a National Executive Council meeting.
Gachagua said Methu would serve in the role until party lawyers completed the legal process required for the appointment because he currently holds a Senate seat under the UDA party. The party also designated him as DCP’s official spokesperson and said his name would be forwarded to the Registrar of Political Parties for confirmation.
The appointment elevated Methu, one of Gachagua’s closest allies, into one of the party’s most influential positions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Murungi says cooperation must be based on equality
Although Murungi said he remains a UDA member, he used the occasion to contrast how he views leadership structures in the ruling party with those in DCP.
“Mimi niko kwa chama ya UDA. Na kusema ukweli hata ukiniuliza organising secretary wa UDA, mimi simjui. Lakini najua organising secretary,” he said.
He argued that DCP should demonstrate fairness if it expects support from leaders in Meru.
Murungi suggested that if the opposition wanted to convince the region to rally behind it, it should present a deputy presidential candidate who could be compared with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
“Hiyo chama… itupatie naibu rais mwingine, inominate naibu rais, tucompare Profesa na huyu mwingine. Ndio sasa tujue tunachagua naibu rais upande gani,” he said.