'Tumechoka kudharauliwa,' Former CS Linturi blasts Ruto for ignoring Meru support

Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) and Meru Senator Mithika Linturi has criticized President William Ruto's government for allegedly marginalizing the Ameru community from key national political decisions, including state appointments, despite their overwhelming support for him during the 2022 elections.

Speaking at an event on Saturday, Linturi expressed disappointment in Ruto's government, accusing it of constantly disrespecting the Ameru community and failing to recognise their contributions to his election victory.

"Ni lazima heshima ya wa watu wa Meru irudi; tumechoka kudharauliwa. Tumechoka kuangaliwa na macho as if si ni watu hawana maana...our 800,000 votes must count! Tulikubali tukaamini; sasa madharau ni tele," he said.

He further argued that the community's loyalty to Ruto in the election should have translated into a fair representation in government, but instead, they have been sidelined in crucial political decisions, including the recent nominations of new state appointees by Ruto.

"Tutakuja kwenu, tutawaambia, heshima ya Meru lazima irudi. we shall work day and night to restore the glory of Meru na hata kama wanatudharau, wanafikiria hakuna mahali tunaweza kwenda ...sababu Kitendawili amechukua, Uhuru sasa ndio huyo mko naye," said Linturi.

Linturi added that the Ameru have learned from their past mistakes and will ensure that their support is more strategically directed in the future to secure their rightful place in national leadership.

"I am telling the current administration, hata kama tuliingizwa box kama Wameru, tukakubali mambo yote bila kuandikiana...wengine wakisign agreements wakiwa na vyama vyao, sisi hatukukubali, hatukuenda na chama ama nini. Kama hiyo heshima si ya kutosha, tumeelimika na tumekuwa na akili zaidi," he said.  

"Going forward, we have learnt from our past mistakes na sababu tumesoma hatutarudia. Lakini nataka ijulikane siku za sasa hata mama na heshima yake na nini pia at least hupewa heshima kwa sababu ata ile mali ulitafuta, mlitafuta na yeye na pia hata huwezi kumfukuza namna hiyo..kwa hivyo hata kama mmekosana mnagawa mali."