A fresh political storm is gathering in Meru as PNU leader Peter Munya and DCP stalwart Mithika Linturi square off in the battle for the county’s top seat in 2027, a contest observers warn could reignite the bitter Uhuru–Gachagua wars of 2022.
Analysts say the two leaders symbolize opposing camps: Munya, a close ally of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Linturi, a loyalist to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Their clash is already reopening old wounds in Mount Kenya politics, with accusations and counter-claims threatening to polarize the region once again.
Munya, speaking during the launch of a new PNU office in Meru, accused Gachagua of undermining multiparty democracy by pushing DCP as the only political vehicle in the region.
“Usituambie Mlima chama ndio hii. Every Kenyan has the right to join the party they want. If you have your party, sell your manifesto and let the citizens decide,” he told supporters.
Linturi, on the other hand, has cast Gachagua as the rightful leader of the mountain and portrayed DCP as unstoppable.
Addressing a rally, he said: “Meru has no shortage of formidable leaders who can liberate this region. The DCP wave is unstoppable, and we must rally behind Gachagua to reclaim Kenya’s leadership and send Ruto and his team packing.”
The feud has drawn in other Mount Kenya leaders, with TSP boss Mwangi Kiunjuri accusing Gachagua of vendetta-driven politics, while scholars such as JKUAT lecturer Charles Mwangi argue that healthy competition could sharpen accountability and policy debate.
Observers note that Meru could emerge as the flashpoint of a wider succession battle in Mount Kenya, where shifting alliances, party wars, and resurgent rivalries threaten to weaken the region’s bargaining power ahead of 2027.
Political analyst John Mburu warns that the Munya–Linturi duel is “a new version of the broader Mt. Kenya succession wars” and could destabilize the voting bloc.
Even President William Ruto has weighed in, urging Meru residents during his April 2, 2025, visit to rise above divisions.
“You have seen the losses that come with division among leaders. There’s no development, no plan, no progress,” he said, appealing for unity and stability in the region.
