Ex-Meru boss Mwangaza criticizes Linturi for aligning with former DP Gachagua

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has strongly condemned ex-Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, claiming he opportunistically aligned himself with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s faction despite lacking the support of his own party.

In a recent interview with media personality Mwenda Saba on Sunday night, May 4, 2025, Mwangaza raised concerns over the limited influence that comes with joining a political coalition without a party behind him.

She pointed out that Linturi’s inclusion in Gachagua’s camp would contribute little value without a political party of his own, contrasting his situation with leaders like Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Justin Muturi, who were embraced into the alliance because they brought established parties along.

"You saw how former Speaker JB Muturi joined Gachagua with his DP party, and he was welcomed. The same happened with Martha Karua, who brought her PLP party, Matiang’i with the Jubilee Party, Kalonzo Musyoka with Wiper, and Eugene Wamalwa with the DAP-K party," Mwangaza observed.

She emphasized that these leaders, armed with their political parties, had the leverage to negotiate for key positions within the coalition, unlike those who lacked such a base.

Reflecting on her own past experience in office, Mwangaza highlighted how the absence of a party base had hindered her governance, as she struggled to secure support from local MCAs.

"The individuals who will land top positions in that coalition are those who bring their own parties, as they have the power to negotiate—something I lacked when I was in office, which led to difficulties with the MCAs," she said, stressing the crucial role party affiliation plays in securing political influence.

Her tone grew sharper as she criticized Linturi’s decision to align with Gachagua without a party, calling it a misstep and questioning his political strategy.

"Now, our son Linturi has blindly placed himself there, but I can’t fathom what makes him an asset in this situation," Mwangaza remarked, doubting his ability to gain any real leverage without a party behind him.

She also suggested that if Linturi had joined with a party like PNU, led by Peter Munya, the outcome could have been different, as such a party would have offered him negotiation power.

Mwangaza’s frustration was evident as she underscored her belief that Linturi’s current position lacked the depth needed for meaningful representation of Meru.

"If it were Peter Munya with his PNU party throwing his weight behind Gachagua, we’d see that as a negotiable move. But Linturi has nothing," she concluded.

In addition to her criticism of Linturi, Mwangaza turned her focus to the future of Meru's politics, emphasizing the need for the region to cultivate its own political strength.

She cautioned that without a powerful party to back them, Meru would remain at a disadvantage in national negotiations, always depending on individuals rather than harnessing the collective power of a united political force.

"What I don’t want is for us as Meru people to suffer and to negotiate with other leaders without our own power and our own party," Mwangaza said firmly.

Mwangaza revealed that she has been working tirelessly for the past three months to establish her own political party, with plans to officially launch it in the near future

Mwangaza revealed that the party is now prepared, and her focus is on empowering the people of Meru to engage in national politics from a position of strength.

"I have been praying to God for direction. The party is ready. We, the people of Meru, will join others when we are fully prepared. We will not go as individuals,” she declared, showcasing her commitment to Meru’s political advancement.

She also urged Meru politicians to understand the importance of party politics, emphasizing that it is essential for becoming influential political figures in the future.

Mwangaza further expressed concern that Linturi’s position was precarious, vulnerable to the shifting political landscape, and prone to changing allegiances at any time.

She even suggested that it wouldn’t surprise her if Linturi ended up in UDA or another party if circumstances turned unfavorable, stressing that his lack of negotiating power associated with leading a well-established party made him highly susceptible to political manipulation.

She pointed out, "For instance, Linturi, having joined Gachagua without a party, if any chaos were to unfold, it wouldn't be surprising to hear him in UDA," implying that Linturi’s position in Gachagua’s camp might be unstable and easily subject to change.