Meru politicians plead with Ruto to spare Water CS Mugaa

Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa on Dece 27, 2024. [Phares Mutembei, Standard]

A section of politicians from Meru County have pleaded with President William Ruto not to sack Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Muugaa.

This comes amid fears of another looming cabinet reshuffle which might affect Muuga as political titans lobby for positions.

In the region, recent dalliances and a meeting between the president and veteran politician Kiraitu Murungi have sparked fears the youngest CS could be on his way out of the cabinet to create space for others.

Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi and nominated MCA Benson Kiriinya claimed some leaders are salivating for Mugaa's seat.

Speaking at Kithoka in Meru, Mwirigi said there were some people who wanted to fight Mugaa because he was 'unknown'.

"I am telling (some) leaders in Meru, those who want the position to go to someone with a big name, to stop bad politics. We will not allow it," he said.

According to Mwirigi, those fighting the CS are afraid he will upstage them owing to what he will achieve in terms of development.

"Those fighting him know in a year he will be the person calling the shots in Meru, because of his development record."

Mwirigi added; "We want to tell these leaders who are older than us; If the president deems it fit to give us a young leader in Mugaa, it is our time to support and protect him."

Mr Kiriinya who represents the youth in the Assembly, said as Meru and Kenyan youth, they were happy when Dr Ruto picked one of their own to join his cabinet. 

Their sentiments were echoed by MPs Eric wa Mumbi (Mathira), Nimrod Mbai, Reuben Kiborek and Japhet Nyakundi.

Mr Mbai said although there were political heavyweights in Meru it is the little-known Mugaa who brought the 'prize' home and thus he should be supported and given the opportunity to prove his worth in Ruto's development agenda.

"Meru has heavyweights. When Ruto looked, there was Kiraitu Murungi, Mithika Linturi, and Peter Munya. But he picked Eric and that is final. He did not make a mistake in appointing him," Mbai said.