A political row is escalating in Meru County after former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi demanded a public apology from Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia over remarks he says falsely linked him to acts of arson.
In a demand letter issued through Mutuma Gichuru & Associates Advocates, Linturi accused the governor of making defamatory statements during a public address, alleging he was responsible for the burning of Magunas Supermarket and the Maua Cereals Board.
According to the letter signed by advocate Elias Mutuma, the remarks portrayed Linturi in a damaging light.
“The statements made by your client falsely portray our client as an arsonist and a criminal who directs others to destroy property through arson,” the lawyer states in the letter.
The legal team further argues that the allegations have harmed Linturi’s reputation as a senior political leader who has previously served as a Member of Parliament, Senator and Cabinet Secretary.
“The statements are false, malicious and calculated to injure our client’s reputation among the Ameru community and the wider public,” the letter adds.
Linturi’s lawyers are now demanding that Governor Mutuma issue an immediate and unconditional apology within seven days.
They want the apology broadcast on national television and radio stations that aired the alleged remarks and published as a full-page advertisement in at least two national newspapers.
The lawyers also want the apology posted on the governor’s official social media accounts and those of the Meru County Government, where it should remain pinned for at least 30 days.
In addition, the advocates are demanding that the apology be delivered publicly at a rally in Meru of similar scale to the forum where the alleged statements were made.
The former Cabinet Secretary is also seeking financial compensation for what his legal team describes as reputational damage, emotional distress and public humiliation.
“Should you fail to comply within the stipulated time, our instructions are to institute legal proceedings against you without further reference,” the lawyers warned.
The dispute now threatens to escalate into a legal battle between two prominent political figures in Meru, adding fresh tension to the county’s political landscape.
