President William Ruto has been left embarrassed after top leaders from Meru County skipped a planned meeting at State House.
This comes as more people from Mt Kenya East, especially Meru, begin turning their backs on him.
The meeting was supposed to bring over 500 leaders together but it was suddenly cancelled.
Some leaders had already met Ruto earlier and told him, to his face, that they are tired of promises with no action.
They complained about stalled roads, unpaid farmers, rising insecurity, and the falling prices of miraa (khat).
Some even suggested buying their own guns to fight bandits, since they feel the national government has abandoned them.
“There’s too much noise in Meru,” one leader said privately, “and the President was told not to meet everyone until projects are done.”
Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, Governor Isaac Mutuma, and several MPs laid out their frustrations saying farmers are suffering and development has stalled.
Ruto’s grip on the region is clearly slipping. Big names like Mithika Linturi, Justin Muturi, and former Governor Kawira Mwangaza have either joined the opposition or turned against him.
Even Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is now pulling supporters from the area.
Former leaders from Meru say Ruto made big promises, but hasn’t delivered. And now, the same leaders he once trusted are joining opposition talks with Raila Odinga, Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and others all preparing to challenge Ruto in 2027.
Meru people feel ignored. Their roads are broken, their crops are worthless, and bandits are killing people.
But when they cry out, they’re told to wait.
“I’ll only support Ruto if he shows us real work in Meru,” said Mwangaza.
Meanwhile, former DP Gachagua is planning to launch a new political party, and many Mt Kenya East leaders say they’re ready to follow him.
The message is loud and clear: Mt Kenya East is angry—and they’re no longer afraid to show it.
