Meru leaders have scheduled a crucial unity meeting on March 14 and 15 as part of efforts to consolidate political and community leadership ahead of the 2027 elections. The gathering, set to take place in Meru, will bring together political figures, business leaders, opinion shapers, and clergy members in a bid to foster unity and chart a common agenda for the region.
Ahead of the main event, a series of consultative forums will be held to shape the agenda and build consensus among stakeholders. On Tuesday evening, a section of Meru MPs and other leaders convened at the Karen residence of a legislator to lay the groundwork for the summit. This meeting occurred shortly after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hosted approximately 3,000 leaders from Meru County at his Karen home, an event seen as significant in the region’s political landscape.
The planning meeting at the MP’s residence attracted 47 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), at least eight Members of Parliament (MPs), and Njuri Ncheke elders. Notably, former Cabinet Secretaries Peter Munya and Mithika Linturi, alongside former minister Kiraitu Murungi, were also in attendance. This marked a significant political moment, as it was the first time these three long-time rivals shared a platform after years of competing for the Meru Governor’s seat. Their presence signaled a potential shift towards political cooperation within the region.
Meru Assembly Majority Whip Jim Muchui emphasized that the unity meeting was long overdue, describing it as a necessary step towards stabilizing the county’s political landscape. “The meeting was planned long before the Deputy President’s consultative forum. There has been a dire need for political direction in Meru,” he stated. “We have agreed to set aside our political differences and address any threats facing the Meru community.”
Meru County Assembly Deputy Speaker Mwenda Ali echoed similar sentiments, calling the summit a defining moment for the region. “Meru is in a serious mess, yet nothing is being done to correct it. We have agreed that March 14 will be Meru’s day of independence,” he declared.
However, the planned meeting has not been welcomed by all. Supporters of Governor Kawira Mwangaza have dismissed it as a strategic move by her opponents to undermine her leadership. Former Meru Majority Leader Evans Mawira argued that similar efforts in the past had not succeeded. “This is not the first time former leaders have come together. When I led the fight against the governor, we met several times but did not succeed,” he noted.
As the March 14 meeting approaches, the political stakes in Meru continue to rise, with the unity summit set to shape the region’s future leadership and political alignments.
