Linturi warns Kindiki as Wetang'ula urges political unity

Former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi during a political rally at Mulu Mutisya grounds in Machakos town on May 30, 2025. [John Muia, Standard] Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has warned Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to tread carefully in his alliance with President William Ruto, claiming Mount Kenya leaders are being used and discarded. Speaking during a Sunday church service at Rwarera in Meru County, Linturi accused Ruto of betraying loyal allies from the region after gaining power. "Ruto has a history of using leaders from Mount Kenya to rise, then discarding them when they are no longer useful. Read the signs. Don't be the next casualty," warned Linturi. Linturi was dismissed from Cabinet following anti-government protests and a reshuffle in 2023. He addressed the congregation alongside allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua under the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which is positioning itself as an alternative political force ahead of the 2027 General Election. He cited his own removal, the sacking of former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi and Gachagua's impeachment in October as examples of betrayal. "The mountain has already started looking elsewhere for 2027. Don't waste your time. Join us in ensuring Ruto becomes a one-term president," he urged. Backing him, DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala accused Ruto of reducing Kindiki to ceremonial roles while sidelining him from key policy decisions. "Kindiki is being left out of crucial reforms like the coffee sector or the war on alcoholism. He's being sent to fundraisers while others make real decisions. That's not leadership-it's exploitation," explained Malala. "They thought they had silenced Gachagua by branding him tribal and impeaching him. But look around-he is now uniting the whole country," he noted. The leaders also demanded answers over the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under unclear circumstances. Malala called on police not to interfere with a planned memorial march. "Let the people mourn and march in peace. Police should not turn grief into war," he appealed. Meanwhile, in Bungoma County, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula called for political tolerance, warning that insults and hostility were weakening national cohesion. "We may disagree, but we must do so respectfully. We may compete, but we must do so respectfully," said Wetang'ula during a church service at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kanduyi. He urged the church to step in with prayers and moral guidance amid rising political tension. "Peace has no alternative. It's the only path that guarantees stability, unity and progress for our society," he told the congregation. Wetang'ula also pledged to push for Bungoma's elevation to city status. "I will ensure Bungoma is upgraded to a city in my lifetime," he promised. Kanduyi MP John Makali echoed the Speaker's message, urging the church to help shape values and guide the youth. "The church remains the moral compass of our nation. We must invest in its work with young people if we are to safeguard our future," said Makali. Also present were Bungoma County First Lady Dr Margaret Makelo, Kenya's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Ken Nganga, Bungoma County Assembly Speaker Emmanuel Situma and several MCAs.

Linturi warns Kindiki as Wetang'ula urges political unity

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