A section of Meru leaders has rallied behind Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eric Muriithi Mugaa, vowing to defend his office amid mounting political pressure to have him removed.

Speaking at New Zion Church in Kigucwa on Sunday, June 15, 2025, the leaders accused some senior politicians from the region of plotting the CS’s ouster, a move they said is driven by selfish political interests rather than performance.

The church service, which was also graced by Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, CS Geoffrey Ruku, turned out to be a condemning zone of leaders scheming to rob the seat from the embattled 32-year-old CS.

Leading the charge was Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, who minced no words in his criticism of what he termed as “enemies of youth leadership.”

Aburi vowed to mobilise all the lawmakers from the region to defend the seat, calling on Meru residents to resist such a move.

He declared that the people of Meru would not sit back and watch the youngest CS being intimidated and harassed by some greedy politicians for power.

“We know some of those pushing for Mugaa’s removal, some are from this region. We are telling them we are ready for the war. Let this be clear to them that the president can only appoint another CS but should not remove one of us just to satisfy a few selfish individuals,” Aburi said.

The MP took a swipe at Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi for pushing for the Agriculture CS slot at the expense of the Water docket slot.

“We know you, together with others, are lobbying for the agriculture docket so that the water docket is taken away from the Meru region, which will not happen,” said Mpuru.

Backing his sentiments were Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri and Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe, both of whom pledged to reach out to President William Ruto directly to express their dissatisfaction with the alleged schemes.

The legislators urged residents to rally behind Mugaa, describing him as a hard-working, capable leader with the energy and vision to deliver transformative change in the critical water sector.

“Leadership is not about age. It’s about results, and CS Mugaa is already showing promise,” Rindikiri said.

Mugaa, taking the podium amidst resounding cheers, did not hold back either but called out the forces trying to unseat him, asserting that their motives were driven purely by political selfishness and an unwillingness to see young leaders thrive.

“You do not kill a child simply because he is young. Give that child a chance to prove his worth, and he might surprise you by outperforming those with more years,” said Mugaa.

He outlined his vision for the ministry, promising aggressive action to revive stalled water projects across the country and bring clean water to every household.

“Water is not a privilege; it is a basic necessity. I will work day and night to ensure Kenyans get the water they need for drinking and for farming,” he added.

CS Geoffrey Ruku also threw his weight behind Mugaa, calling on leaders and citizens alike to embrace and support the youth in positions of leadership.

“President Ruto is intentionally creating space for the younger generation, not just in leadership but also in entrepreneurship. This is an all-inclusive government, and we must all respect and support that vision,” Ruku said.

However, the leaders also turned their political guns on opposition figures, particularly former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, accusing the duo of fanning division within the Mt Kenya region and peddling false promises.

“Do not fall for slogans like ‘cousins’ unity’. Ask yourselves what these people did when they had power. Linturi gave you fake fertiliser, and Gachagua was in the system, and he only delivered tribalism. Be careful,” the public service CS said.

He urged the residents to support President Ruto and his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, saying the duo is geared towards bringing unimaginable transformative developments by the end of the first term.

Ruku, together with other leaders, also drummed up support for Ruto’s two-term tenure, calling on Kenyans to be patient and support his government.