Meru governor backs airstrip plans to combat forest fires
By Kenneth Mwenda, June 28, 2026Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma has strongly defended plans to build a State Lodge and airstrip in Meru, dismissing critics who oppose projects linked to Imenti Forest conservation concerns.
Speaking during the 60th anniversary celebrations of Burieruri High School in Meru on Sunday, June 28, 2026, Mutuma said Meru residents should not continue depending on Sagana State Lodge while their county pushes for city status and major development projects.
The governor addressed President William Ruto directly and said Meru leaders remain committed to transforming the county into a city to attract investment and improve services.
“Ulishika ndoto ya kufanya Meru iwe city, ndio to attract development katika county yetu. Tuko kwa hiyo mpango,” Mutuma said.
He explained that a technical committee is already working on the requirements needed to elevate Meru from a municipality to a city. According to the governor, key infrastructure projects, including the proposed State Lodge and airstrip, form part of that wider vision.
Mutuma criticised leaders opposing the State Lodge project, saying it was unfair for Meru residents to travel to Sagana whenever they needed to meet the president.
“Hata kama kelele inapigwa now, imagine mtu kutoka Nyeri anatuambia tusijengewe State Lodge Meru. Na State Lodge iko Sagana. Eti tukitaka kukutana na Rais, tuende Sagana,” he said.
He described such arguments as disrespectful to Meru people and insisted the county deserves its own national facilities.
“Hatutakimbia Sagana, tutajenga yetu hapa,” Mutuma declared.
The governor said the State Lodge would help Meru host national events and improve engagement between the President and local leaders. He told Ruto that the facility could host discussions with Njuri Ncheke elders and religious leaders during future visits to the county.
Mutuma linked the planned lodge to the proposed Madaraka Day celebrations in Meru in 2027.
“Si wewe utakuwa ukilala hapa, Your Excellency”, he said, adding that the President could spend the night at the facility before attending celebrations at Kinoru Stadium.
The governor also defended the controversial airstrip project linked to Upper Imenti Forest. He praised Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi for supporting the project and argued that the facility would help protect the forest rather than destroy it.
“Anajenga airstrip ya kupigana na moto wa msitu,” Mutuma said.
Mutuma defends forest projects
According to the governor, forest fires remain a major threat in the Mt Kenya region, and the planned airstrip would improve emergency response and firefighting operations.
Mutuma accused critics of ignoring the needs of local people while focusing only on forest conservation.
“Wale wanatuambia msitu msitu na watu ni kina nani walikuja huu dunia kwanza? Si ni sisi hupanda msitu?” he posed.
His remarks appeared aimed at environmental groups and opposition leaders who have questioned the decision to clear sections of forest land for infrastructure development.
Debate over the Meru airstrip project has intensified in recent weeks after former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi questioned the need for another aviation facility near Isiolo International Airport.
Linturi argued that Isiolo Airport remains underused and could serve Meru residents without cutting trees inside the forest ecosystem. He also questioned why existing airstrips in Kaguma and Mitunguu have not been upgraded instead.
Environmentalists and political leaders, including former Meru Governor Peter Munya, have also raised concerns about the environmental impact of the projects. Critics say Upper Imenti Forest is an important water catchment area that supports rivers and water supply in Meru and neighbouring counties.
Munya recently warned against clearing forest land for executive projects, arguing that Meru already faces water shortages due to environmental degradation.
Despite the criticism, supporters of the Meru State Lodge and airstrip projects argue that the county needs direct infrastructure investment to support economic growth, tourism, medical evacuation, and national government operations.
Mutuma maintained that development and conservation can happen together. He told residents not to listen to what he called misleading political narratives surrounding the projects.
“Nawameru nawaambia mtaerevuka sio kuskiza hekaya za abunuwasi,” he said.
The governor admitted he was angry over continued opposition to the projects.
“Nimekasirika, niko na holy anger, kama ile ya Musa,” he added.