MERU, Kenya – Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has taken a swipe at President William Ruto over recent government appointments, lamenting the absence of representation for the Meru community.
Murungi, known for his candidness, expressed deep frustration at what he termed the “disappearance of Meru from the national and political map of Kenya.”
Speaking at a press conference, Murungi congratulated those appointed to key government positions but questioned why Meru had been overlooked despite its significant contribution to national politics.
“I have nothing against those who have been appointed. In fact, I want to congratulate them—Governor Nderitu Mureithi, Senator Mutahi Kagwe, and Governor Kabogo. But how come Meru has disappeared from the national map of Kenya? We are the fifth-largest voting bloc in the country. Our people are not happy,” he said.
Murungi’s concerns center on the perceived marginalization of Meru, highlighting that the community had not been considered for even lower-level appointments such as ambassadorial positions.
He likened the situation to a hunter being excluded from the feast after a successful hunt.
“Our people are surprised that President Ruto seems to have forgotten us so quickly. We are like the dog that helped hunt down the animal, only to be chased away after the meat is served to others,” he lamented.
Murungi emphasized that Meru was not asking for special favors but merely seeking equal treatment.
He pointed out that other ethnic communities, such as the Kikuyu, Luo, and Kalenjin, have enjoyed better representation in government.
“We have a right to be in this country just like the Kikuyus, Luos, and Kalenjins. We are tired of being treated as political nomads. It is time for Meru to walk in the middle of the road and be recognized like other communities,” he declared.
The former governor revealed plans for a mega meeting early next year, where Meru leaders from all sectors—politics, religion, farming, and education—will come together to chart a path forward.
The meeting aims to address what he described as the “curse of Meru” and decide on the community’s political future.
“We are giving President Ruto the benefit of the doubt. We will analyze the situation over the Christmas and New Year period. By next year, we will make a final decision on our political direction,” he announced.
Murungi, known for his candidness, expressed deep frustration at what he termed the “disappearance of Meru from the national and political map of Kenya.”
Speaking at a press conference, Murungi congratulated those appointed to key government positions but questioned why Meru had been overlooked despite its significant contribution to national politics.
“I have nothing against those who have been appointed. In fact, I want to congratulate them—Governor Nderitu Mureithi, Senator Mutahi Kagwe, and Governor Kabogo. But how come Meru has disappeared from the national map of Kenya? We are the fifth-largest voting bloc in the country. Our people are not happy,” he said.
Murungi’s concerns center on the perceived marginalization of Meru, highlighting that the community had not been considered for even lower-level appointments such as ambassadorial positions.
He likened the situation to a hunter being excluded from the feast after a successful hunt.
“Our people are surprised that President Ruto seems to have forgotten us so quickly. We are like the dog that helped hunt down the animal, only to be chased away after the meat is served to others,” he lamented.
Murungi emphasized that Meru was not asking for special favors but merely seeking equal treatment.
He pointed out that other ethnic communities, such as the Kikuyu, Luo, and Kalenjin, have enjoyed better representation in government.
“We have a right to be in this country just like the Kikuyus, Luos, and Kalenjins. We are tired of being treated as political nomads. It is time for Meru to walk in the middle of the road and be recognized like other communities,” he declared.
The former governor revealed plans for a mega meeting early next year, where Meru leaders from all sectors—politics, religion, farming, and education—will come together to chart a path forward.
The meeting aims to address what he described as the “curse of Meru” and decide on the community’s political future.
“We are giving President Ruto the benefit of the doubt. We will analyze the situation over the Christmas and New Year period. By next year, we will make a final decision on our political direction,” he announced.
