Former CS Mithika Linturi/FILE
Former Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has rejected claims linking him to groups seeking to disrupt Linda Mwananchi meetings scheduled for Sunday in Meru County.
Linturi said he had taken note of video clips circulating on social media showing groups of youth allegedly threatening to interfere with the meetings.
He said the individuals had invoked his name in their statements, prompting him to clarify his position on the planned mobilisation.
“Let me state unequivocally that Linda Mwananchi is a WANTAM movement whose clear agenda is to remove William Ruto from office,” Linturi said.
He added that he had no reason to oppose the movement’s activities, saying he considers himself part of the broader opposition team.
“As an integral part of the united opposition, there is no conceivable reason for me to oppose their activities,” he said.
Linturi further claimed that the youth had been mobilised across Meru County and were acting under instructions from other individuals.
He said the individuals had allegedly been instructed to present their actions as being carried out in his defence.
According to Linturi, such a move would create an impression of divisions within the opposition.
“It has become apparent that these youth have been mobilised across Meru County under the direction of (other individuals),” he said.
“Linda Mwananchi remains part of our broader team and must be permitted to hold meetings peacefully in every part of Meru County and, indeed, throughout Kenya,” he added.
He also defended the freedom of movement and assembly, following reports of threats directed at former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza over her movements within the county.
“Kenya is a democratic nation, and the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to visit and assemble freely in any part of the country,” Linturi said.
He cautioned against what he described as the continued use of his name in connection with the activities.
The statement comes as Linda Mwananchi prepares to take its mobilisation campaign to Meru on Sunday, days after its activities in Homa Bay were disrupted by chaos.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is expected to lead the Meru tour alongside other leaders.
On August 29, Sifuna joked about his attempt to learn the Meru version of his “Mnaniona Vizuri” catchphrase ahead of the rally.
“Kuna jamaa hapa anajaribu kunifundisha ‘mnaniona vizuri’ kwa Kimeru lakini najiumauma,” he said.
The Meru visit follows the movement’s Homa Bay tour on August 16, where it said its activities were disrupted.
In a statement issued after the tour, Linda Mwananchi said its leaders and supporters faced what it described as a coordinated campaign of violence and intimidation.
Sifuna’s planned Meru visit will extend the movement’s mobilisation campaign to another county as political parties and alliances position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
