Mithika Linturi, the former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, has openly expressed regret over his unwavering trust in President William Ruto, warning that Deputy President nominee Kithure Kindiki could suffer a similar fate if he does not secure a written political agreement. Speaking during a public meeting in Meru, Linturi shared his experiences, offering a cautionary tale of blind loyalty and political miscalculations that led to his removal from office and the ongoing struggles of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The remarks have sparked renewed interest in the internal dynamics of the Kenya Kwanza government and the complex political landscape shaping the future of Kenyan leadership.
The Mistake of Trusting Ruto
Linturi’s reflections on his political journey reveal a significant degree of personal and political disillusionment. He recalled how, alongside Gachagua, he had made the critical mistake of placing blind trust in Ruto without securing formal agreements during the early stages of the Kenya Kwanza coalition. While other leaders entered into strategic political pacts, Linturi and Gachagua believed their mutual trust and loyalty to Ruto would suffice to guarantee their place in government. As Linturi explained, they were convinced that their support for Ruto, which helped him win the presidency, would shield them from political danger.
“When you are making negotiations and you are well-structured, you come out stronger, you are better, and you cannot be easily targeted,” Linturi said. “Today I regret that when everybody else was negotiating using a political party, signing agreements, Gachagua and I said no, let us proceed because we believe and trust you.”
This decision has proved costly for both leaders. Gachagua has faced impeachment proceedings in Parliament, while Linturi was dismissed from his Cabinet post after months of political turbulence. Their experiences highlight the risks of entering high-stakes political arenas without concrete safeguards in place, even when alliances appear solid. Linturi’s warning to Kindiki reflects this hard-earned lesson: in Kenya’s cutthroat political environment, trust alone is not enough to secure one’s position.
The Political Landscape: Agreements vs. Blind Loyalty
The fallout between Ruto and his once-loyal supporters exposes the tension between trust-based alliances and formal political agreements in Kenyan politics. Throughout his presidency, Ruto has been known for his ability to inspire loyalty from allies, particularly during his rise to power in the 2022 general election. However, as Linturi’s story illustrates, those who failed to secure formal agreements have found themselves vulnerable.
Linturi’s comments about “truthfulness” also underscore his frustration with the current political system, where loyalty and honesty, in his view, are no longer rewarded. “This word ‘truthful’ has caused a lot of problems in this country, and it has really messed up some of us for being truthful,” Linturi said. “If you are a truthful person, you are condemned like a drug peddler.”
The former CS’s words suggest that political survival in Kenya depends not just on loyalty, but on the strategic use of political capital. While some leaders managed to protect themselves through written agreements, Linturi and Gachagua’s reliance on personal trust left them exposed to the volatile forces of political expediency.
Linturi’s Political Future and the Shadow of Impeachment
In addition to reflecting on his past mistakes, Linturi signaled his intent to re-enter politics, specifically eyeing the Meru governorship in the 2027 elections. Describing himself as a “politician all along,” Linturi noted that he is now jobless following his removal from the Cabinet, yet remains determined to regain his political standing. His candidacy would undoubtedly be shaped by his recent experiences, particularly his dismissal from Ruto’s Cabinet and his connection to the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
Linturi’s firing came after weeks of Gen Z-led protests over the Finance Bill, which many viewed as draconian and insensitive to the financial challenges facing Kenya’s youth. His role in defending the bill—seen by many as a contributing factor to the widespread discontent—ultimately made him a scapegoat for the government’s unpopularity. Additionally, Linturi’s implication in the fake fertilizer scandal further eroded his public image, although the National Assembly eventually cleared him when an impeachment motion was brought forward.
Despite these setbacks, Linturi’s political ambitions remain intact. His decision to vie for the Meru governorship suggests that he is ready to make a comeback by capitalizing on regional support, though his controversial past may make the road to victory challenging.
Gachagua’s Impeachment: A Harbinger for Kindiki?
Linturi’s remarks were not just reflective but also forward-looking, as he issued a stark warning to Kithure Kindiki, the current Deputy President nominee. According to Linturi, Kindiki risks facing the same political fate as Gachagua if he does not negotiate a written political agreement with Ruto. Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings have been one of the most significant political stories in recent months, illustrating the precarious nature of holding high office in Kenya.
Linturi’s advice to Kindiki underscores the importance of securing political leverage in a system where power dynamics can shift rapidly. As he noted, “When everybody else was negotiating using a political party, signing agreements, Gachagua and I said no.” The absence of such agreements left them politically vulnerable, and Linturi is now urging Kindiki not to repeat the same mistake.
Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings were largely seen as a result of his deteriorating relationship with Ruto, with some political analysts suggesting that Ruto viewed Gachagua as a liability. By contrast, leaders who entered into formal agreements have maintained a firmer grip on power. Kindiki, who previously served as Interior Cabinet Secretary and has remained a close ally of Ruto, now finds himself in a delicate position, as he navigates the potential minefields of being the second-in-command.
The Larger Implications for Ruto’s Administration
Linturi’s public reflections offer a rare glimpse into the internal struggles of the Kenya Kwanza administration, revealing fault lines that could have far-reaching consequences. As Ruto continues to consolidate power, the fate of his former allies serves as a cautionary tale for others within the administration. The political turmoil surrounding figures like Linturi and Gachagua demonstrates the fragility of alliances built on personal trust rather than formal agreements.
For Ruto, the challenge moving forward will be maintaining the loyalty of key figures within his government, even as discontent grows. The sacking of Linturi and the impeachment of Gachagua have already stirred speculation about the president’s long-term strategy and his ability to keep his coalition intact. With the 2027 election cycle already on the horizon, these internal divisions could prove to be significant obstacles for Ruto as he seeks to secure a second term.
Conclusion: Lessons from Linturi’s Cautionary Tale
Mithika Linturi’s recent remarks offer a compelling narrative of political trust, betrayal, and the importance of securing formal agreements in Kenya’s unpredictable political landscape. His warning to Deputy President nominee Kithure Kindiki underscores the risks that come with relying solely on personal loyalty in a system where political survival often depends on strategic maneuvering. As Linturi eyes a potential return to politics, the lessons from his experience will likely resonate with other leaders, who must navigate the delicate balance between trust and formal agreements in their pursuit of power.
In the coming years, the fallout from Linturi and Gachagua’s political miscalculations will continue to shape the dynamics within Ruto’s administration, with the implications extending far beyond the individuals involved. For now, however, Linturi’s cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder that in Kenyan politics, trust is not always enough to guarantee success.
