Editor's Review

"The last time I talked to him was in December last year and I was not seeking any job."

Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has dismissed claims by President William Ruto that the two are in talks, accusing the Head of State of lying to the public. 

Speaking on Sunday, April 20, Linturi stated that he has not had any communication with Ruto in months, adding that when they last talked, he was not seeking a job. 

“The President lied to the people of Meru that he's in talks with me. The last time I talked to him was in December last year and I was not seeking any job," he said.

In the same breath, Linturi praised Meru Governor Mutuma M'Ethingia for advocating for Meru leaders, including himself and former Governor Peter Munya.

“Meru Governor Mutuma M'Ethingia is man enough; he's one month old in office, but he was bold to tell the President to give Munya and I a job when the rest of Meru leaders are quiet,” he noted.

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File image of Mithika Linturi

While speaking during his visit to Meru County, Ruto hinted at the possibility of working with both Linturi and Munya.

The Head of State assured locals that discussions were already underway with the two leaders and urged patience.

"Last thing, MP John Paul Mwirigi has mentioned that there are two elders in this area, Peter Munya and my friend Mithika Linturi.

"I want to confirm that I'm already having talks with these two leaders, and we are working on a plan. So just relax, everything is in control," he said.

Elsewhere, Linturi criticized Ruto for working with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga under the broad-based government.

He 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.