Pressure mounts on Linturi over Waiguru motion

MERU COUNTY: Leaders from the Meru community Saturday mounted pressure on Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi to withdraw his censure motion against Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru. Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki set the ball rolling when he claimed the impeachment motion was giving President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, sleepless nights.

He said it was embarrassing for the MP, who led the Meru people to an overwhelming vote for the Jubilee Government, to spearhead attacks on the same Government. The leaders were speaking during a wedding for Buuri MP Gatobu Kinoti, who is the youngest parliamentarian. Uhuru, who arrived shortly at 5.30pm, also graced the event.

The President told off CORD leadership against political bickering, saying it was a waste of time for Kenyans. He said his Government was facing an array of challenges barely one year into office. He singled out the new constitutional dispensation, which introduced devolution, for creating more obstacles in service delivery.

“We settled in Government one year ago and we don’t have anytime to waste. We don’t have time to bicker around since everyday lost politicking is a wasted effort that could benefit Kenyans,” he said.

He asked Kenyans to unite, pointing out that this was the only way of helping Kenyans create opportunities for the youth.

During the ceremony attended by 26 elected leaders, including Meru County Governor Peter Munya and National Assembly Speaker, Justin Muturi, Majority leaders, Aden Duale (National Assembly) and Kindiki Kithure (Senate) piled pressure on Linturi to immediately withdraw the motion against Waiguru.

Following Uhuru’s late arrival, Linturi who had earlier addressed the gathering, was recalled to the podium to state his final position – before President Kenyatta – on the Waiguru debate.

He softly addressed the issue, claiming he had first to consult the over 100 MPs who had appended their signatures in support of the motion. His sentiments attracted loud booing from members of the public who chanted ‘hatutaki hiyo’ (withdraw the motion).

Linturi finally assured the President and his audience that he will give a positive feedback next week.