Leaders from Meru County have urged residents to continue supporting President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, saying remaining within the Kenya Kwanza administration will safeguard the region’s political influence and unlock more development opportunities.
The leaders, led by Tigania West MP John Mutunga and Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, made the remarks during an inspection of the ongoing construction of the Kenya School of Agriculture at Kamutune in Tigania West. They were joined by Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Kiprono Ronoh, Trade Principal Secretary Regina Ombam, Members of the Meru County Assembly and other local leaders.
They argued that continued cooperation with the national government would ensure the completion of key development projects and strengthen the region’s position within government.
Mutunga dismissed opposition campaigns in the region, saying politics should be driven by the interests of wananchi rather than personal loyalties.
“Politics is not about love or a wedding. It is about advancing the interests of the people. Supporting the government ensures development programmes continue reaching our communities,” he said.
The legislator urged Meru residents to reject opposition politics, warning that the region risked losing its political influence despite producing the country’s Deputy President.
“There are politicians misleading our people into believing the opposition offers a better future. We are not ready to lose the Deputy President’s position because of empty promises. We shall continue supporting President Ruto and Kindiki for a second term, and in 2032 we will support Kindiki for President,” Mutunga said.
Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of promoting divisive politics within the Mt Kenya region.
He called on leaders to focus on unity and development, arguing that remaining in government would enable Meru to attract more national projects.
The MPs said President Ruto should be allowed to complete his development agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election, citing investments in infrastructure, agriculture and economic empowerment programmes.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh echoed the leaders’ sentiments, cautioning residents against abandoning the government.
“Meru people should be careful not to leave the government. Do not be misled by the opposition when you have the Deputy President in office. Abandoning the government means losing not only political influence but also development opportunities. Trust me, the opposition has no development agenda for this nation,” he said.
Ronoh said the government was seeking additional international markets for miraa while promoting value addition to increase farmers’ incomes.
He also said construction of the Kenya School of Agriculture at Kamutune is progressing well and is expected to be completed by December.
According to the Principal Secretary, the institution will equip young people with modern farming techniques and agribusiness skills, creating employment opportunities while boosting agricultural productivity.
Separately, during Meru Ushirika Day celebrations at Kaaga Methodist Church Grounds, Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi urged residents to remain united behind the Kenya Kwanza administration and take advantage of government agricultural initiatives, including the planned revival of Afya Millers and the distribution of coffee and avocado seedlings.
Cooperatives Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi also appealed to residents to support President Ruto and Deputy President Kindiki in the 2027 General Election.
“I urge Kenyans to continue supporting President Ruto and Deputy President Kindiki. By re-electing the two leaders, Meru will continue benefiting from government development programmes,” Mugambi said.
Mugambi further appealed to leaders and residents from Mt Kenya West to back Kindiki’s future presidential ambitions after President Ruto completes his constitutional term.
“We have always supported leaders from Central Kenya since independence. We now appeal to our brothers and sisters in Mt Kenya West to stand with Kindiki so that our son can become President in the future,” he said.
