Meru residents have been cautioned against joining the opposition, with leaders warning that such a move could undermine the region’s political influence and development prospects.

National Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa issued the warning during a visit to Buuri Constituency, where he was accompanied by Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri.

The two leaders urged residents to remain aligned with the government, saying the region stands to benefit more by maintaining its current political course.

Speaking on Thursday, April 16, 2026, during the announcement of a Ksh100 million allocation for the Kiirua-Buuri water project in the 2025/2026 financial year, Mugaa said the region will continue to support President William Ruto’s administration.

“I don’t know what people want because this government is working and delivering, and we cannot risk joining the opposition because those pushing us in that direction have their own political interests and anger,” said Mugaa.

He argued that shifting political allegiance at this stage would be detrimental, warning that regions that detach themselves from government often lose out on key development opportunities.

Mugaa backs Kindiki

Mugaa further stated that the Meru community and the larger Mt Kenya region are firmly behind Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, whom he described as a key figure in the region’s political future.

He expressed confidence that the region would rally behind Kindiki in the 2032 presidential race after President Ruto completes his term.

“We are united and we know where we are going as a region. Our focus is on development and ensuring our people benefit from government programmes,” he added.

The Cabinet Secretary, with the backing of Rindikiri, also took issue with political leaders from the region mobilising residents to join the opposition, terming the move as misleading and indivisible.

“There are some of us going around trying to push us into the opposition, but we are telling them clearly that we are not foolish to leave a government that others are struggling to join,” he added.

MP Rindikiri’s view

Rindikiri echoed the sentiments, warning that political decisions should be guided by the interests of the people rather than personal ambitions of a few leaders.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and not be swayed by divisive and tribal politics.

The leaders also defended the performance of the broad-based government, saying it has made significant strides in delivering on its promises.

Mugaa cited improvements in infrastructure, expansion of water access, construction of modern markets and the affordable housing programme as some of the key achievements.

“We cannot lose what we are holding. This government has delivered a lot to us and Kenyans at large; we should support it to do even more,” he said.

At the same time, Mugaa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to clean water across the country, noting that the Kiirua-Buuri project is part of a wider strategy to boost irrigation and enhance food security.

He said increasing access to water is critical in supporting agriculture and creating income-generating opportunities for residents, particularly in semi-arid areas.

“My work is to ensure that even as I serve the rest of the country, the people of Meru also benefit,” he said.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, the Kiirua-Buuri water project, once complete, is expected to serve at least 3,000 residents.

He further added that the project is also expected to support small-scale irrigation, enabling farmers to increase productivity and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.