The once seemingly amicable relationship between Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has soured, culminating in a fierce war of words.
The rift between the two political figures, who recently stood united during the failed impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, has left many people surprised and intrigued.
The discord surfaced during a tea farmers meeting at Kiguchwa in Tigania East, where CS Linturi was accompanied by Mr. La Baita, a candidate seeking to unseat Mpuru in the 2027 elections.
Linturi seized the opportunity to launch a scathing attack on Hon. Mpuru, criticizing his performance and accusing him of being ‘unschooled’, among other failures.
Tea Farmers Elections
Linturi’s primary allegation was that Mpuru is attempting to interfere with the upcoming elections for tea farmers, a move he described as inappropriate and far from the MP’s duties.
He argued that Mpuru should instead focus on improving the dilapidated roads in his constituency.
“You cannot be an MP and also a Director in a Tea Factory,” Linturi asserted, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries and responsibilities.
“Fanya fujo utaona. Hiyo sitakubali kama Waziri wa kilimo. Wewe piga mdogo kama kawaida yako huko nje. Lakini mambo ya majani chai wakulima wataamua. IEBC itasimamia uchaguzi.”
(If you try to cause trouble, you will see fire. I won’t allow that as the Minister of Agriculture. You can continue with your usual noisemaking out there. But tea farmers’ matters will not be decided by outsiders. IEBC will oversee the elections.)
Linturi further criticized Mpuru for neglecting his roles of infrastructure development in Tigania East Constituency.
“Kwa nini anaingilia majani chai? Na nimesimamisha ndege hapo Michii Mikuru, barabara zimejaa mitaro kufika ni shida. Si ajenge barabara?”
(Why is he (Mpuru) interfering with tea issues? My plane landed at Michii Mikuru, the roads are full of trenches, getting here was a real problem. Shouldn’t he focus his energy on the roads?)
‘Incompetent and Unlearned’
Linturi did not hold back, suggesting that Mpuru’s ego and sense of indispensability were unfounded.
“Hakuna mahali anatoshea kwa watu. Anaona kama ni yeye pekee anaweza kazi. Nilisikia siku ingine akisema siwezi kazi ya waziri. Rais mwenyewe amesema mimi ni mchapa kazi.”
(He doesn’t fit in with people. He always thinks he is the only person capable of doing any job. I heard him the other day saying that I am not fit for the Cabinet job. The President himself has said I am a performer.)
Linturi concluded his tirade by pointing out Mpuru’s absenteeism and lack of proficiency in parliamentary matters.
“Tukiwa bunge huko, hupatikani kuniuliza maswali. Ukipatikana, kizungu hawezi kuongea.”
(In Parliament, you (Mpuru) are never there to ask me questions on matters Agriculture. And even when you are present, English is a big problem. You cannot communicate anything.)
The verbal clash between Mithika Linturi and Mpuru Aburi marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Tigania East.
Mpuru’s fight back is an effort to defend his seat from Linturi’s ally, Mr. La Baita, a prominent businessman based in Nairobi.
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