Former CS Mithika Linturi Regrets Trusting President Ruto Without an MOU, Warns Incoming DP Kindiki

Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi expressed deep regret over his decision to support President William Ruto without signing a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) ahead of the 2022 elections. Linturi, who was instrumental in mobilizing support for Ruto in the Meru region, warned incoming Deputy President Kithure Kindiki against repeating the same mistake, urging him to formalize his political partnership with Ruto before taking the oath of office next week.

Linturi, visibly angered by recent political events, revealed that he and ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had based their political alliance with Ruto on trust rather than a formal agreement. He claimed that this lack of an MOU had made it easier for Ruto’s administration to sideline both of them, resulting in their ousting.

"Today, I regret that while others were negotiating through political parties and signing agreements, Gachagua and I proceeded on trust. We believed in you, Mr. President, and now both of us are out of government," Linturi stated, reflecting on his political miscalculations.

The former CS, who was removed from his post following Gen Z-led protests against the unpopular Finance Bill 2024, further lamented that trust alone in political dealings had left him vulnerable. "You know I’m jobless now, and I can tell you without fear: when you negotiate without an agreement, you are easily targeted," he said.

Linturi’s remarks come as a direct warning to Kithure Kindiki, who is set to be sworn in as the new Deputy President. He urged Kindiki to ensure that his partnership with Ruto is bound by a formal agreement, warning him of the consequences of trusting political promises blindly. "Kindiki should learn from our mistakes. Don’t rely on handshakes and verbal agreements. Get it in writing," Linturi advised.