Meru leaders divided over status of Ruto’s development promises
By Kenneth Mwenda, June 28, 2026Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has sharply criticised President William Ruto over what he described as unfulfilled development promises in Meru County, setting up a direct clash between government claims and opposition accusations during a high-profile visit to the region on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Speaking at Kooje Revival Christian Centre in Ntima East, Imenti North Constituency, Linturi accused the President of making repeated pledges during political and church gatherings that have not been implemented months later. His remarks came on the same day President Ruto and local leaders defended ongoing and planned development projects in Meru, including roads, health facilities, and a proposed State Lodge.
Linturi told worshippers that the president had visited Meru in October 2025 and made several commitments that, according to him, remain unfulfilled.
“Unajua leo, ako Meru. Ako Meru siku ya leo,” Linturi said, referring to the President’s presence in the county. “Na nimesema ni mwongo na ni mdanganyifu,” directly accusing Ruto of misleading residents.
Maua Stadium and road promises questioned
One of the key projects Linturi raised was the proposed Maua Stadium. He recalled that during Ruto’s visit to Kathelwa AIPCA Church in Igembe Central on October 5, 2025, the president promised that construction would begin immediately.
“Tarehe tano mwezi wa kumi, 2025… aliambia watu wa Kathelwa, Jumatatu kutakuwa na contractor wa Maua Stadium. Tutaanza kujenga iyo stadium ya Maua,” he said.
However, Linturi claimed that nine months later, there was no contractor on site and no visible progress.
He also pointed to the Kore road, a major stretch linking Njoune and Nthambiro in Igembe Central. According to him, Ruto had promised during the same visit that construction would begin the following week.
“Saa hii, sababu ilikuwa mwezi wa kumi, leo ni mwezi wa sita. Nine months after, kama kuna contractor, kuna barabara inatengenezwa?” he asked the congregation.
Concerns over security and health services
Linturi also raised concerns over cattle rustling in the region, saying the problem persists despite earlier government promises to address it. He argued that insecurity continues to affect livelihoods in several parts of Meru.
His strongest criticism focused on the health sector, especially Meru General Hospital. He claimed that despite earlier promises that the military would assist in upgrading the facility, little visible progress has been made.
“Hebu pitia huone, hakuna kitu iko hapo,” he said, urging residents to visit the hospital and see the situation for themselves.
Linturi also highlighted the ongoing doctor shortage in Meru hospitals. He said doctors had gone weeks without working, leaving patients without treatment.
“Wiki tatu, tunaingia ya nne. Watu wa Meru, hospitali zote, madaktari – hawafanyi kazi. Nani anatibu Wameru?” he asked.
He further criticised the state of hospital services, claiming that mortuaries were being renovated while patients lacked medicine and care.
The former Cabinet Secretary suggested that the problem goes beyond individual projects, arguing that it reflects a wider issue of political accountability and truthfulness.
He accused leaders of failing to challenge false claims and instead supporting official narratives that do not match conditions on the ground.
Linturi also questioned the credibility of development claims made by local leaders. He said residents were being told that major progress had been achieved, yet they could not see tangible results.
“This is shameful, ni aibu kubwa kuona kazi ile gavana anaogea juu yake… watu wa Meru hawayaoni,” he said.
Ruto defends development agenda in Meru
At Burieruri High School in Meru County, President Ruto and his allies presented a different picture, defending ongoing and planned development projects in the region.
Ruto dismissed criticism of his frequent travel across the country, stating that it is part of his constitutional duty to oversee development.
“I have the duty to walk and sleep in every part of this country,” he said. “It is my constitutional duty as president to traverse all parts of this nation and steer development projects.”
The president also defended plans to construct a State Lodge in Meru, arguing that the region deserves equal treatment in national development.
“If there is a State Lodge in other parts of the country, why should there not be a State Lodge in Meru County?” he posed.
Ruto’s proposal for a State Lodge in Meru has triggered public debate, especially after the government proposed using 50 acres of Imenti Forest land for the project. The plan also includes an airstrip and a golf course as part of a broader strategy to elevate Meru Town to city status.
Environmental groups and residents have opposed the project, filing court cases to stop it. The Environment and Land Court in Meru issued conservatory orders halting the project pending further review.
Despite the legal setback, the government maintains that the project will proceed once issues are resolved.
Ruto also announced that Ksh7 billion had been allocated for the upgrade of the Nithi Bridge, a major transport corridor known for frequent accidents. Government officials say the contractor is already on site, and land compensation has been completed.
Governor Isaac Mutuma supported the President’s claims and praised his administration for prioritising long-standing infrastructure challenges in the region.
He also highlighted ongoing upgrades at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital and the construction of modern markets, including the Gakoromone Market, which is funded with Ksh1.2 billion.