Water CS Eric Mugaa urges Meru unity as Sh230m water project is launched

Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa has urged leaders and residents of Meru County to reject divisive politics and embrace unity to enhance the region’s chances of attracting national government development projects.

Speaking on Thursday in Kathwana during the launch of the Sh230 million Kirege–Kaanwa–Kajuki–Kaareni–Kathwana Water Project, CS Mugaa cautioned that internal political divisions could slow Meru’s development at a time when other regions are consolidating efforts to secure government investment.

The Cabinet Secretary accused some opposition leaders from the county of promoting what he termed tribal and divisive narratives, including claims that Meru is sidelined in national leadership.

He said such remarks undermine local leadership and erode the county’s collective bargaining power.

CS Mugaa called on residents to support Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and President William Ruto, noting that Meru has never held the Deputy President’s office since independence.

He described Kindiki’s position as a rare opportunity for the region to strengthen its influence nationally if unity is maintained.

Earlier this week, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, who is the DCP organising secretary, claimed that Meru is not adequately represented in the national government, suggesting that the Deputy President does not represent the Ameru community.

In response, Mr Mugaa dismissed the claims, saying Meru’s leadership should be respected regardless of political affiliation.

“There are leaders insinuating that unless they are in power, Meru is not represented. They are failing to respect our own son, Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki. We must protect, respect and support him and the President. Since 1963, Meru has never produced a Deputy President. This is an opportunity we should not squander through divisive politics,” Mr Mugaa said.

The 37-kilometre Kirege–Kaanwa–Kajuki–Kaareni–Kathwana pipeline project, which is already under construction, is expected to improve access to clean water in Kathwana town and surrounding areas.

Mr Mugaa said the project will ease the burden on women and children who have long spent hours searching for water, often affecting productivity and school attendance.

He also launched supplementary works under the Chuka–Chogoria Water Supply Project.

The additional scope includes extensions of the Kabui and Kaanwa tank lines, construction of the Kathwana water transmission main, installation of break pressure tanks, household and institutional connections in Chogoria, and rehabilitation of eroded sections of the raw water gravity main.

Mr Mugaa said improved water supply would help revive investment in Kathwana, noting that prolonged water shortages had previously discouraged investors and depressed land values due to limited domestic and irrigation water.

He added that the projects align with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritises investment in essential infrastructure to stimulate grassroots economic growth and improve livelihoods.

“Our commitment to ensuring that every Kenyan has access to clean and safe water and dignified sanitation remains unwavering,” Mr Mugaa said.