Meru Leaders
- 88 views
In anticipation of the 2027 elections, Meru leaders are scheduled to convene a significant unity summit on March 14th to consolidate the community's political direction.
The event will bring together political figures, business leaders, opinion makers, and clergy members to chart a unified path forward. Preparations are underway, with regional politicians holding consultative forums to shape the agenda and build consensus. This follows a meeting Tuesday evening at a Meru legislator’s Karen residence, where Members of Parliament and political leaders laid the initial groundwork. This meeting occurred shortly after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hosted approximately 3,000 Meru County leaders at his Karen home.
The Karen gathering included 47 Members of County Assembly (MCAs), eight MPs, and Njuri Ncheke elders. Former Cabinet Secretaries Peter Munya and Mithika Linturi, along with ex-minister Kiraitu Murungi, attended. The trio have set aside past rivalries to join forces. Attendees at the preliminary meeting agreed to hold the Meru summit on March 14 and 15, prioritizing community unity. Meru Assembly Majority Whip Jim Muchui emphasizes the need for political stability in the county.
"The meeting was planned well in advance of the Deputy President’s consultative forum. Meru has been in dire need of political direction," Muchui states. "We have committed to setting aside our differences to address the challenges facing our community."
Meru County Assembly Deputy Speaker Mwenda Ali echoes these sentiments, describing the summit as the first step towards cohesive leadership. However, allies of Governor Kawira Mwangaza have dismissed the initiative as an attempt to undermine her leadership. Former Meru Majority Leader Evans Mawira expresses skepticism, citing previous unsuccessful unity efforts.
The planned summit takes place against a backdrop of political tension in Meru, with its outcome expected to significantly influence the region's political landscape and future direction as leaders seek to forge a united front.
“This is not the first instance of former leaders rallying together. During my campaign against the governor, we had numerous meetings, but they did not yield the desired results,” Mawira says.