Meru Governor Mutuma M’ethingia. File Photo. 
By Dennis Dibondo.
Meru Governor Mutuma M’ethingia has hit back at former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi over remarks questioning the legitimacy of his leadership, insisting that he is the duly elected governor of Meru.
Mutuma accused Linturi, a former Meru senator, of being the “fake” one and challenged him to stop hurling insults and instead prepare to face him in the next elections.
The governor was responding to claims by Linturi that he was a “Bonoko” (fake) governor, remarks Mutuma said were aimed at creating the perception that he had assumed office through illegitimate means.
«“He is going round calling me Bonoko (fake). He wants to create a perception that I came to the office through illegitimate means. I want to tell him that he is the one who is fake because he was fired because of selling stone as fertilizer to farmers,” Mutuma said.»
Linturi was dismissed from the Cabinet in 2024 after facing allegations over the distribution of substandard fertiliser, accusations he has previously denied.
Mutuma urged Linturi to exercise restraint despite their political differences, saying he respects him as an elder but would not be intimidated by his remarks.
The governor also referred to alleged threats made by Linturi, saying the former CS had used offensive language against him.
“He is like my elder brother and I respect him, but let him hold his horses,” Mutuma said.
Mutuma further likened Linturi to the biblical King Herod, accusing him of targeting emerging political leaders in Meru.
“He is after me now because I am the current governor and he wants the seat. Let him have some respect even if he doesn't support me,” Mutuma said.
The governor spoke at North Imenti Forest during a meeting with representatives of various Community Forest Associations (CFAs) from Meru. He was accompanied by Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni and Meru Women Representative Beatrice Karwitha, among other leaders.
Mutuma also defended the administration of President William Ruto, citing several projects he said were being undertaken in Meru.
He pointed to the planned upgrading of Meru Referral Hospital to a Level Six facility and the construction of the Gakoromone Modern Market as some of the key projects undertaken by the government.
The governor also urged the Ameru community to support Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, arguing that the community already has a senior national government leader at the centre of power.
He said the community would not be persuaded to abandon Kindiki in favour of opposition leaders.
“They say a bird in the bush is worth two in the bush. We will not accept to let Kindiki down. We will hold onto him and give him all the support he wants,” Mutuma said.
