Former Cabinet Secretary and Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya has said he has no personal issue with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, noting that they share a long history dating back to their teaching days at Moi University before they joined politics.

However, he insisted that leadership in government must be judged on performance, not friendship or regional ties.

Munya made the remarks during a church service at MCK All Saints Church in Kinoru, North Imenti, Meru County, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, where leaders also addressed governance, development priorities, and the ongoing debate over the proposed State Lodge in Meru.

Sharing background

Munya stressed that his relationship with the Deputy President goes back many years, long before either of them entered politics.

“Hatuna shida na mtu yeyote. Hatuna shida na Deputy President, ni mmoja wetu. Rafiki yangu, kwanza tulikuwa tunafunza na yeye Moi kabla tuingie kwa siasa,” Munya said.

He said their friendship should not be confused with political leadership.

“Lakini urafiki na mambo ya uendeshaji wa nchi ni tofauti,” he added.

Munya also rejected any suggestion that top leadership positions should be tied to clan or regional identity, saying the presidency and deputy presidency belong to all Kenyans.

“Na hii viti sio viti ya clan. Kiti ya rais na kiti ya deputy ni viti vya Kenya yote,” he said.

He added that having a leader from one’s region is not a problem, but it does not automatically guarantee effective leadership.

“Na kuwa na mmoja wetu sisi hatuna ubaya hapo. Lakini pia huyo mmoja wetu lazima ajiprove ataweza hiyo kazi kwa njia ya kutatua mashida yale tuko nayo.”

Kindiki defends leadership path

Munya’s comments come at a time when Deputy President Kindiki continues to defend his political role in government, arguing that leadership positions such as the presidency and deputy presidency are national offices that have historically been held by leaders who later rose to the top.

He has pointed to past leaders like former President Daniel arap Moi, former President Mwai Kibaki, and President William Ruto, who all served as vice presidents or deputies before ascending to higher office.

“Do you know that a man called Moi was Vice President under Kenyatta? Was he being sent by Kenyatta? Did he make it? A man called Mwai Kibaki, whom we much loved, was also Vice President. Did he make it? Did he become president? Even a man called William Ruto, who was Uhuru Kenyatta’s deputy. Did he get it?” Kindiki asked during Easter lunch with neighbours on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at his Îrunduni home in Tharaka Nithi County.

Kindiki has also maintained that he is focused on service delivery and has dismissed political criticism directed at his office, saying governance should not be derailed by speculation or political tension. His allies in Meru and the wider Mt Kenya East region have echoed this position, insisting that the deputy president is firmly in office and working with President Ruto on development priorities.

At the same time, opposition-leaning leaders in Meru have questioned his political influence in the region and criticised government priorities, especially around infrastructure projects and land use.

State Lodge Meru debate intensifies

Munya’s remarks were delivered against the backdrop of renewed debate over the proposed State Lodge and related developments in Meru County.

Reports have indicated that sections of land in Kambakia along the Meru–Nanyuki Road could be considered for a State Lodge, a golf course, and other executive facilities under the government’s broader infrastructure expansion programme.

The proposal has triggered opposition from environmental groups and local leaders who argue that the project could threaten forests and water catchment areas.

In a separate strong warning during the same church service, Munya opposed any move that could lead to the destruction of forests in Meru.

“Wachana na msitu. Wachana na msitu,” he said. “Hata kuna wakati mwingine ilikatwa tukapiga kelele, ikarudishwa. It has not even revived itself.”

He warned that the forest remains fragile and cannot sustain further pressure.

“It has not even revived itself. And don’t tell us you’ll do it by force,” he added.

Munya also insisted that forests are public assets that support water supply and the local economy.

“Ati mnatuambia si shamba yetu. Ni shamba yetu. Msitu ni shamba yetu ndio inatoa maji tunakunywa. Ndio inatengeneza economy yetu hapa,” he said.

The former CS linked forest protection to worsening water shortages in Meru, saying destruction of catchment areas has already had long-term effects.

“This town doesn’t have enough water as we speak. River Kathita doesn’t have enough water as we speak. The prices of water have gone up. The water is not available,” he said.

He urged leaders to prioritise environmental protection, warning against what he termed forced development projects.

“Don’t force grand projects that are going to destroy the environment in Meru merely because you are in power,” Munya said

Munya also said residents are ready to challenge any project in court if it threatens the environment, insisting that communities have legal rights to protect public land.

“But we will stop you because we have right to go to court to stop any project we think will mess us up,” he said.

His remarks align with concerns raised by environmental organisations, including the Green Belt Movement, which has opposed any excision of forest land for development projects.