Mithika Linturi vows to show Ruto the real owners of the mountain
By Luke Oluoch, November 17, 2025Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has accused President William Ruto of betraying the trust of leaders from Mountain Kenya, warning that he is bound to learn a lesson that the region is no longer his stronghold in the coming by-election.
Speaking during a united opposition campaign on Monday, November 17, 2025, Linturi asserted that the president no longer holds any influence in the mountain, adding that it will be demonstrated to him in the coming by-elections.
He claimed that Ruto’s influence was due to the politicians who have since decamped from his team to join the opposition.
Made Ruto popular
“We are the ones who pushed Ruto and made him popular. He did not command any influence in this region. We pushed him to get the support of the people of Mbeere, but he has opted to pay us with disrespect,” he stated.
“He has to know this mountain has its owners; if he does not believe, let him wait for the results in November 2027. The elections are a rehearsal to take home,” he added.
His remarks follow after Rigathi Gachagua termed the upcoming elections as a battle between a Ruto-Mbarire candidate vs. the people of Mbeere North.
Speaking in Mbeere on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Gachagua implored the people of Mbeere to show Ruto that he cannot use proxies to force his candidate on people.
Gachagua On Mbeere polls
‘The contest is between Kasongo and Mbarire on one side and the people of Mbeere on the other side. It is that simple!” he said.
“Their candidate (Muthende) is being fronted by them. He has no vote here in Mbeere, so I am wondering how they expect you to vote for him. How can people vote for someone who can’t even cast a vote for himself?” He posed.
Gachagua also continued his attacks on Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, accusing her of disrespecting the residents of Mbeere North.
“Mbarire should respect the people and desist from issuing intimidations. For three years, she has never set foot in Mbeere, only to bring them a candidate now. You dare say that. We don’t want to disrespect these people. They might be of low income, but nonetheless they deserve their dignity,” he stated.