Ruto Has Made a Mistake by Bringing Raila Into Gov’t - Mithika Linturi

Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has criticized President William Ruto for working with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.  

Speaking on Sunday, April 20, Linturi said bringing Raila into government was a mistake, and questioned how the president is planning to maintain support from the GEMA community. 

“Ruto made a big mistake in bringing Raila into government. I don't know how he is planning to replace GEMA votes. This broad-based government is the cause of all chaos, I want to say this categorically," he said.

Linturi also expressed regret for supporting Ruto during the 2022 elections, claiming that the president changed after taking office.

“If only I knew President William Ruto would change, I would have thought otherwise about supporting him. He is no longer the prayerful, humble man we knew. He is not consistent. Honestly, we thought he was different," he added.

Linturi was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development in October 2022, following Ruto's inauguration.  

During his time in office, he oversaw various agricultural programs. 

However, Linturi's tenure was significantly overshadowed by a scandal involving the distribution of counterfeit subsidized fertilizer to farmers. 

In April 2024, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka initiated an impeachment motion against Linturi, citing gross violation of the Constitution, serious reasons to believe he had committed a crime under national law, and gross misconduct. 

Over 100 Members of Parliament from both the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions supported the motion, reflecting a bipartisan concern over the allegations.

The National Assembly approved the motion to dismiss Linturi, with 149 MPs voting in favor, 36 against, and three abstaining. 

Subsequently, an 11-member select committee was formed to investigate the allegations. 

After a 10-day inquiry, the committee concluded that the allegations were unsubstantiated, with seven members voting to clear Linturi and four dissenting. 

As a result, the impeachment process was halted, and Linturi remained in office.

Despite surviving the impeachment, Linturi's tenure concluded on July 11, 2024, when Ruto dismissed the entire Cabinet.

Then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua later clarified that Linturi's dismissal was not due to incompetence but was part of broader political dynamics. 

"Linturi is our great son, and I want to say that as Deputy President, Linturi performed beyond expectations. He just got caught up in this reorganisation because of the political dynamics of the country, not because he failed to perform," he said.