By Peace Muthoka.
Former Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development of Kenya Mithika Linturi has come out guns blazing, accusing the government of sponsoring militia groups to cause chaos in Meru County and using state agencies to scapegoat opposition leaders.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, Linturi painted a grim picture of a government allegedly turning against its own citizens. He claimed that the violence and destruction witnessed in Meru, including the burning of Magunas Supermarket on July 7, was not random but pre-planned and executed under the watch of security agencies.
“The supermarket is barely a kilometre from the police station, yet officers stood by and did nothing,” Linturi said. “This wasn’t a lapse. It was deliberate.”
According to Linturi, the supermarket attack had earlier been hinted at by Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, who allegedly made provocative remarks during a church function a day before the incident. Despite the seriousness of the claim, Linturi noted that no legal action has been taken against Rindikiri.
At the heart of Linturi’s allegations is a controversial letter dated July 9, penned by the Meru County Police Commander. The letter allegedly links various politicians, students from Meru University and local polytechnics, and even CDF offices to the protests. However, Linturi dismissed the contents as part of a smear campaign targeting leaders critical of the government.
“It’s absurd that the same people tasked with ensuring justice are now the ones accusing others without proof,” Linturi stated. “They are framing innocent leaders while shielding the real perpetrators.”
He also slammed Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood for what he termed as reckless accusations against opposition-aligned leaders and students.
“Instead of arresting those who incited the violence, the government is persecuting voices of reason,” he said.
The CS warned that such selective application of the law could backfire and erode public trust in state institutions. He urged security agencies to act impartially and stop intimidating critics of the administration.
“If they truly want justice, let them investigate without bias,” Linturi said. “Kenya belongs to all of us, not just those in power.”
He further encouraged the youth to remain focused and register to vote, insisting that real change lies in the ballot, not violence.
“We’re not here to incite. We’re here to awaken the nation. Kenyans are struggling, and the people know where the pain is coming from,” he added.
Linturi’s fiery statement adds fuel to an already tense political climate, as opposition voices continue to claim rising repression ahead of the 2027 elections.
