Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has issued a stern warning to Deputy President nominee Kithure Kindiki, urging him to secure a written agreement with President William Ruto.
Linturi cautioned that without a formal pact, Kindiki risks facing the same challenges as impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking in Meru on Saturday, Linturi regretted trusting Ruto without entering into a political agreement, unlike other leaders who negotiated through formal channels. He highlighted how he and Gachagua made the mistake of proceeding without securing political safeguards, unlike their peers who formalized their agreements with the president.
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"When you negotiate strategically and secure agreements, you come out stronger and less vulnerable. I now regret that while others negotiated through their political parties, Gachagua and I blindly trusted Ruto," Linturi said.
He emphasized that their failure to sign a political pact made it easier for their removal, leading to Gachagua's impeachment and his dismissal from the Cabinet. Linturi expressed frustration with the consequences of being "truthful" in politics, saying it often leads to condemnation rather than reward.
Hinting at his political future, Linturi revealed plans to run for Meru Governor in the 2027 election after being removed from his role as Agriculture CS amid Gen Z protests over the unpopular 2024 Finance Bill.
He also addressed his involvement in a fake fertilizer scandal, noting that the National Assembly cleared him during an impeachment motion.
With this new political stance, Linturi hopes to rebuild his career as he navigates the turbulent waters of Kenyan politics.
