The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has defended his association with embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, who is facing ouster after impeachment by the County Assembly.
Mr Linturi said he will continue working with all elected leaders despite their political affiliations as he discharges his duties as a Cabinet Secretary.
Speaking on Wednesday at Chuka University's Kiegoi Campus Grounds, Igembe South Constituency while leading the National Tree Growing and Land Restoration campaign, Linturi told off those criticising him for associating with the governor.
"My ministry will work closely with all governors despite their political affiliations as we strive to improve food production and promote food security," said Linturi.
The Cabinet Secretary on Tuesday hosted Mwangaza, his former rival at his office in Kilimo House, Nairobi, but he has now described the meeting as an official engagement focused on agriculture.
"Yes, I met Mwangaza in Nairobi and I have seen some people talking ill about it. I'm a Cabinet Secretary and I will continue with my work. During our meeting we agreed on issues like desert locust invasions among other critical topics," he added.
Mwangaza ignited a political storm in Meru on Tuesday when she posted her picture with Linturi on her social media pages with a short caption "Meru Must Be Happy".
The embattled governor won the seat in the last elections as an independent candidate
The Senate has already resolved to constitute an 11-member committee to probe grounds for the impeachment of Mwangaza.
"The Senate resolves to establish a special committee comprising of 11 Senators to investigate the proposed removal from office of the Governor of Meru county and report to the senate within 10 days," Speaker Amason Kingi stated during the Senate's Tuesday special sitting.
Linturi later headed to Nguthiru Laingi Grounds in Tigania West Constituency and Gatimbi chief's grounds in Central Imenti Constituency for tree planting.He was accompanied by Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Principal Secretary, Gitonga Mugambi, his Cooperatives counterpart Patrick Kiburi, Meru County Commissioner Frederick Ndunga, Meru Deputy Governor, Mutuma M'ethingia, MPs John Paul Mwirigi, Dan Kiili, Titus Taitumu, John Mutunga among others.
The tree planting campaign which was launched by President Ruto on Wednesday in Kajiado County, is part of the government ambitious programme aimed at managing, conserving and expanding forests sustainably towards attaining a minimum 30 per cent forest cover nationally by 2032.
join