Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has issued a stern warning to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, advising him to exercise caution in his alliance with President William Ruto. Linturi claims that leaders from the vote-rich Mount Kenya region are often used by Ruto to ascend to power only to be discarded when their political utility wanes. Speaking at a Sunday church service in Rwarera, Meru County, Linturi accused President Ruto of a consistent pattern of betraying loyal allies from the region after securing his political objectives. “Ruto has a history of using leaders from Mount Kenya to rise, then discarding them when they are no longer useful. Read the signs. Don’t be the next casualty,” Linturi cautioned.

Linturi's warning comes in the wake of his own dismissal from the Cabinet following anti-government protests and a reshuffle in 2023. He cited his removal, the sacking of former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2023 as clear examples of this alleged betrayal. Linturi addressed the congregation alongside allies of Gachagua under the newly formed Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which is strategically positioning itself as an alternative political force ahead of the 2027 General Election. He further urged Kindiki, “The mountain has already started looking elsewhere for 2027. Don’t waste your time. Join us in ensuring Ruto becomes a one-term president.”

Echoing Linturi's sentiments, DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala accused President Ruto of reducing Kindiki to merely ceremonial roles, deliberately sidelining him from critical policy decisions. Malala highlighted, “Kindiki is being left out of crucial reforms like the coffee sector or the war on alcoholism. He’s being sent to fundraisers while others make real decisions. That’s not leadership—it’s exploitation.” Malala also asserted that attempts to silence Gachagua by branding him as tribal and impeaching him had failed, stating, “They thought they had silenced Gachagua by branding him tribal and impeaching him. But look around—he is now uniting the whole country.” The leaders present also demanded accountability regarding the mysterious death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, with Malala appealing to the police not to disrupt a planned memorial march, urging them to allow people to mourn and march peacefully.

Meanwhile, in a separate development in Bungoma County, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula emphasized the critical need for political tolerance. During a church service at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kanduyi, Wetang’ula warned that insults and hostility were eroding national cohesion. “We may disagree, but we must do so respectfully. We may compete, but we must do so respectfully,” he stated, imploring the church to offer prayers and moral guidance amidst the escalating political tension. He reiterated, “Peace has no alternative. It’s the only path that guarantees stability, unity and progress for our society.” Wetang’ula also made a personal commitment to advocate for Bungoma’s elevation to city status. Kanduyi MP John Makali reinforced the Speaker’s message, stressing the church’s role in shaping national values and guiding the youth, asserting its enduring position as the nation’s moral compass.