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Meru Senator Mithika Linturi’s declaration to contest the governorship has rattled the delicate regional politics and inter-clan power sharing formula. 

Linturi, who declared he will be seeking to unseat Governor Kiraitu Murungi in the August 9 General Election on Sunday, has brought to the fore the Igembe, Tigania and Imenti power struggles.

In what is turning out to be a battle between the populous Imenti against Igembe, Senator Linturi said he has rolled up his sleeves to take on Governor Murungi whom he accused of poor service delivery and corruption in his government.

“But I am not running because I am from Igembe. It is because I have a programme that will spur development in Meru. I want to strengthen devolution,” Linturi told his supporters.

Senator Linturi’s bid comes days after his friend turned foe, Kiraitu, recently celebrated that he will easily win a second term in office without much stress after Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, who was his strongest opponent, opted out.

Kiraitu was quoted saying he was a happy and stress-free man after Munya’s exit promising to win against area women representative Kawira Mwangaza without investing much in his campaign.

“I am a happy and stress-free man, I had planned to use every penny to win against CS Munya but now I want to tell my small brother (Munya) thank you and I promise to support him in the national politics and for Kawira Mwangaza, I tell her to prepare to get home early because I have never lost an election and will not lose this as well,” said Kiraitu.

Warning the county chief to prepare for the titanic battle in the upcoming polls, Linturi asked Kiraitu to be ready to accept defeat come August 9.

“I am telling my friend Kiraitu that his stress is back.  I will give him a run for his money more than CS Munya could have because now is our time as Igembe people to lead,” he said amid applause from his supporters.

Linturi’s announcement came in the wake of DP Ruto’s recent visits to Meru, in which he and allies had pleaded with Kiraitu, the leader of the Devolution Empowerment Party, to join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

His bid to unseat Kiraitu and become the third county boss received backing from five out of eight MPs elected in the region.

Kathuri Murungi (South Imenti), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Cyprian Kubai (Igembe Central), John Mutunga (Tigania West) and Josephat Gichunge of Tigania East all said they would rally behind Linturi. 

Meru sub-clans

According to them, it was the turn of the Igembe sub-tribe to have the governor’s seat after their Tigania and Imenti counterparts leading the office in the last two terms.

In the first term, CS Munya who comes from the Tigania became the first governor of Meru County before being ousted by Kiraitu who comes from the Imenti sub-tribe.

If Linturi gets a strong backup from Igembe where he comes from, and Tigania sub -tribes where Kiraitu enjoys little support, it seems the senator will return to campaign only in Imenti where the governor and Kawira are expected to share votes.

“This time it is for Igembe to lead we cannot always keep on supporting others to take over the top county seat. There has always been an MOU that every sub-tribe should be given one term to lead and actually this time is our time and we are going to vote as a block for Linturi who comes from Igembe,” said Igembe Central MP Kubai.

Impeccable sources at the UDA headquarters decided to field Linturi after Kiraitu who has been a long-time friend and supporter of the DP Ruto changed tune and instead supported ODM leader’s Raila Odinga Azimio La Umoja Movement.

According to the source, Kiraitu’s political U-turn to support the former prime minister did not settle well with Ruto who has decided to field Linturi.

Ruto, who is expected to visit Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties this weekend after jetting in from his US visit, had fired warnings when he visited Meru, asking Kiraitu to join his camp as UDA enjoyed wide support in Meru.

There have been numerous efforts by political bigwigs and Njuri Ncheke elders to woo Kiraitu to join Kenya Kwanza Alliance after he launched his Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) which is aimed at increasing the political bargaining power of the region.