A dramatic shift in alliances and power dynamics has engulfed Meru County, with the latest being furious rants from within the Kiraitu Murungi led Devolution Empowerment Party (Mbus) directed towards President Ruto.
In the 2022 elections, Kiraitu Murungi, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics and leader of the Mbus party, suffered a surprising defeat in the gubernatorial race to Kawira Mwangaza, an independent candidate.
Kiraitu, a former ally of the Azimio la Umoja Coalition led by Opposition leader Raila Odinga, subsequently switched allegiance to President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza party and declared his retirement from active politics.
However, Kiraitu’s retreat from the limelight was short-lived as President Ruto appointed him to chair the National Oil Corporation, signaling a continued role for Kiraitu in the political arena.
Meanwhile, Kawira Mwangaza, the victor in the gubernatorial race, expressed her willingness to collaborate with President Ruto, despite being elected outside of his United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
In his Meru County development tours, President Ruto has on several occasions expressed his desire to have Kawira Mwangaza in the UDA Party.
And barely a month since she was received at the UDA headquarters, the Head of State is on the receiving end from Kiraitu’s lieutenants, who appear aggrieved by the developments.
The Mbus Party leaders, who have spearheaded several impeachment motions against Kawira, have now shifted their focus towards President Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
Their grievances stem from what they perceive as a lack of support from the highest echelons of power in their efforts to oust Kawira from office.
In a televised interview on Thursday, Mbus Secretary General Alhaji Mwendia, a close confidant of Kiraitu, publicly blamed President Ruto and Deputy President Gachagua for the “problems” plaguing Meru County.
Mwendia pointedly criticized the duo for their alleged failure to assist in the removal of Kawira through impeachment, citing two failed attempts as evidence of their ‘negligence’.
Alhaji also revealed that they sent the Njuri Ncheke Secretary General Josphat Murangiri to DP Gachagua when they met him in Nyeri two weeks ago.
“We asked the elders to tell the Deputy President that the Meru problem is not in-bred. The Meru chaos are caused by his boss (Ruto) and himself (Gachagua).” Alhaji says.
The sudden turn of events has raised questions about the stability of the UDA-DEP alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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