Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi expressed deep regret over not securing a formal agreement with President William Ruto during their political partnership.
Speaking at a teachers’ event in Igembe North, Meru County, Linturi admitted that his decision, along with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, to proceed without a structured agreement has left them vulnerable.
“When we went with William Ruto, we worked so hard and got the government. The only thing I regret is that when everybody else was negotiating using a political party and signing agreements, Gachagua and I said NO, let us proceed; we trust you. We said ‘tuende hakuna shida’,” Linturi revealed.
Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi during a past Parliament session
The former CS emphasized that their failure to formalize their political relationship with Ruto made it easier for them to be sidelined in government.
He urged Meru residents to learn from his experience and approach future negotiations with stronger strategies.
“I can tell you for free and without any fear that when you are making negotiations, you should come out stronger and better, and you cannot be easily targeted. I will tell you, today I really regret,” Linturi confessed.
Linturi’s remarks come just months after President Ruto dismissed him and several other Cabinet Secretaries in a reshuffle announced on July 11.
Pres William Ruto during Siaya rally. Photo: William Ruto/Facebook
The dismissals followed mounting protests across the country, particularly from the younger generation.
In his announcement, Ruto explained, “Upon reflection and listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said and after a holistic appraisal of the performance of my cabinet, I have today decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the cabinet secretaries and the attorney general from the cabinet of the Republic of Kenya except the prime cabinet secretary and the cabinet secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs.”
Linturi’s candid admission underscores the political risks involved in informal alliances, leaving many to wonder if such a misstep could shape future power plays in the country.
