Tigania East Member of Parliament, Lawrence Mpuru Aburi, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to ensuring the Meru community remains united and firmly aligned with the current government. Speaking at the launch of the Ameru Pwani Welfare Association (APWA) commercial bus project held at Khadija Primary School in Mombasa County, Mpuru emphasized the need for unity and collective political direction ahead of the 2027 general election.
Mpuru declared that the Meru community would not be swayed into joining the opposition, stating that no one has consulted the community about defecting from the Kenya Kwanza administration. He firmly rejected calls to support the faction led by former Deputy President Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua, asserting that Meru leaders are not prepared to abandon their current political alignment.
“It would be politically unwise to ditch the government at a time when our very own, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, holds the influential position of Deputy President,” Mpuru stated.
He insisted that efforts to pressure the Meru community into shifting allegiance to the opposition had “hit a dead end.” According to the lawmaker, the community has made a deliberate and unified decision to remain in government, where they hold a significant stake in national leadership.
A total of KSh 1.3 million was raised during the APWA event to settle an outstanding loan for the association’s newly launched commercial bus. The occasion was graced by Co-operative Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi, who also hails from Tigania.
Looking ahead, Mpuru expressed confidence that Prof. Kindiki will eventually ascend to the presidency once President William Ruto completes his second term in 2032. He dismissed speculations that his political outfit, the National Ordinary People Empowerment Union (NOPEU), would compete against the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), clarifying that his party supports President Ruto’s leadership, particularly for recognizing Meru’s contribution and elevating one of their own to the second-highest office in the land.
“Our support for President Ruto is not in doubt. His appointment of Kindiki and his development track record have earned him our full backing,” Mpuru asserted.
His remarks were echoed by Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu Manaiba, who emphasized the importance of unity within the Meru community, especially as the country approaches the next electoral cycle.
“It is vital that we continue speaking with one voice. Unrealistic expectations and harmful perceptions only divide our people,” Manaiba said.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi noted that he is only the second PS from Tigania East and West since independence, thanking President Ruto for recognizing the region. He underscored the significance of unity as a step toward national inclusion.
“Having the Meru community united behind the Deputy President is not just a political strategy—it’s a historic moment of inclusion for our people,” Kilemi said.
Erick Gitonga, the patron of APWA, used the occasion to urge Meru residents in the coastal region to mobilize for a massive voter registration drive. He emphasized that strong voter numbers would enhance the community’s bargaining power in both county and national politics, helping to prevent political marginalization after the 2027 polls.
“If we don’t prepare early and register in large numbers, we risk becoming irrelevant. Let’s organize and strengthen our political voice now,” Gitonga warned.
With unity, strategic planning, and high-level representation in government, the Meru community is positioning itself as a formidable political force ahead of Kenya’s next general election.
