Meru leaders back Ruto-Kindiki re-election bid citing development record

Meru leaders have declared their support for President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s re-election in the 2027 General Election, citing ongoing and planned national government projects in the county.

The pledge was made during a meeting attended by Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia, Senator Kathuri Murungi, 67 of the 69 Members of the County Assembly and 11 Members of Parliament.

The leaders said the scale of development under the Kenya Kwanza administration had informed their decision to rally behind President Ruto.

Addressing the leaders, President Ruto outlined several flagship projects, including the construction of a new Nithi Bridge and a 17-kilometre Meru Town Bypass at a cost of Sh3 billion, which he said would commence soon.

He noted that the bypass is expected to ease traffic congestion in Meru Town, which has been earmarked for elevation to Kenya’s sixth city.

The President also announced that the government is investing Sh1 billion to upgrade Meru County Referral Hospital into a national referral facility, alongside an additional Sh100 million for the upgrading of Nyambene Hospital.

On housing and trade infrastructure, President Ruto said 3,000 affordable housing units are currently under construction in the county, with a target of 10,000 units.

He added that 17 modern markets are being built across Meru, including the Kariene Market, which he said will be among the largest in the country.

“No administration has built the number of fresh produce markets we are doing in Meru County,” the President said.

He further disclosed that the contractor for the revamped Nithi Bridge has already been identified, and construction will begin shortly.

In the dairy sector, the President said five milk coolers have been installed, with nine more set for delivery.

President Ruto also said Sh2.3 billion has been allocated to connect more than 30,000 households to electricity, while road construction has resumed nationwide, with several projects underway in Meru County.

“We have returned 95 percent of contractors back to the roads,” he said.

On party politics, the President called for the strengthening of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) at the grassroots, saying participatory and democratic elections starting at the polling centre are key to building a people-centred party. He announced that he will host a UDA aspirants’ forum at State House, Nairobi, to discuss party strengthening at the grassroots.

Deputy President Prof Kindiki said the government is committed to promoting national unity to support its transformation agenda, noting the need to broaden political leadership to include parties such as ODM.

“We want to encourage inclusivity because we need to solidify national unity,” he said.

Governor Mutuma praised the government’s development initiatives in Meru, citing roads, affordable housing and modern markets, and said the NYOTA programme has had a significant impact on youth in Meru and neighbouring counties.

“We appreciate that you are keeping your promises to the people of Meru County,” the governor said.

Senator Murungi urged UDA to strengthen its structures ahead of any negotiations with ODM, warning that the party should not negotiate from a position of weakness.