‘WE HAVE CROSSED THE RUBICON’: Linturi Blasts Ruto, Vows Political Revenge in 2027

Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has categorically denied President William Ruto’s claims of ongoing talks between them, in what appears to be a complete severing of ties with the administration that once counted him among its top officials.

In an explosive interview with Weru TV, a vernacular station based in Meru, Linturi declared he has “crossed the Rubicon” and is now actively seeking opposition partners ahead of the 2027 elections, setting the stage for a potential political realignment in Kenya’s political landscape.

“This is what jolted me into speaking out and walking away from the government,” Linturi said, referring to President Ruto’s April 2 remarks in Maua suggesting the two were in discussions about him potentially joining the broad-based government.

“Nine months after I was hounded out of government, a pregnancy has come to term and a baby must be born. I have been quiet since I was fired but I have to come out and discount lies about me.”

Linturi was removed from the Cabinet in the aftermath of the Gen Z protests that rocked the country in June last year.

According to the former CS, his last communication with President Ruto occurred in December at State House, where the President reportedly told him he was “a victim of perception.”

“I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees”

In the interview, Linturi adopted a defiant tone, vowing that no form of enticement or intimidation would draw him back to Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

“I don’t want his job; I am not interested. I will sort myself out,” he stated emphatically.

President William Ruto.

Perhaps most politically significant was Linturi’s revelation that he is now open to talks with several high-profile figures who have fallen out with the Ruto administration, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, as well as opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

“We need to reenact a 2002 moment in 2027,” Linturi said, alluding to the historic coalition that ended KANU’s long rule in Kenya.

Cold War with Head of Public Service

The former Agriculture CS also shed light on his troubled working relationship with Head of Public Service Felix Koskei during his tenure in the ministry.

“My relationship with Koskei was very bad,” Linturi revealed, as he attempted to clear his name over the controversial fake fertiliser scandal that plagued his time in office.

This account appears to corroborate former Deputy President Gachagua’s recent claims that the Agriculture Ministry during Linturi’s tenure was effectively being run by the President and the Head of Public Service.

In a startling revelation, Linturi claimed that on multiple occasions, appointment decisions were made using his name without his knowledge or consent.

“At one time, Imenti South MP Shadrack Mwiti requested that we retain Jenaro Gatangugi as a director in the Pyrethrum Company. I committed to do that on a Wednesday. However, to my shock, on a Friday, a gazette notice was published with my name firing Mr. Gatangugi,” he disclosed.

Fertiliser Scandal Clarification

Addressing the fertiliser scandal that dominated headlines during his tenure, Linturi distanced himself from any wrongdoing.

“As far as the fertiliser is concerned, I was not involved. After receiving the fertiliser donations from Russia and Algeria, I handed the consignment to NCPB. However, I later learnt that it had been given out as raw material for reformulation with directions from State House,” he explained.

His account contrasts with recent statements from Agriculture PS Paul Rono, who claimed Kenya received donations of fertiliser raw materials in powder form that were subsequently given to manufacturers through an open tender process for granulation and blending.

Regrets and Future Plans

Expressing regret over his support for Ruto in the 2022 elections, Linturi stated, “If I knew he would change, I could have done things differently. I can’t believe that after all the prayers we made, Ruto changed for the worse.”

The former CS revealed that he is in discussions with other politicians to form a regional political party, asserting that UDA has “significantly lost ground in Mt Kenya region.”

Looking toward the future, Linturi, who unsuccessfully vied for the Meru gubernatorial seat in 2022, indicated he has several options for 2027 but emphasized his commitment to opposing the current administration.

“We are now looking for appropriate partners. I wish Ruto all the best. There are no hard feelings. We have crossed the Rubicon. Let’s face off in 2027 as the people decide,” he concluded.

This dramatic political realignment could signal growing dissatisfaction within President Ruto’s former strongholds, potentially reshaping alliances as the country edges closer to the next general election.