Peter Munya Declares 2027 Gubernatorial Bid, Promises to Restore Meru’s Lost Glory

• The stage is set for a fierce political contest in Meru as former governor Peter Munya officially joins the list of those eyeing the governorship
• Munya, who served as the county boss from 2013 to 2017 when he lost to Kiraitu Murungi, explained why he is making a return to local politics
• The seat has already attracted political heavyweights, including Kawira Mwangaza, who insists she will be on the ballot despite being impeached

Former governor Peter Munya has formally announced his return to Meru politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Munya declared on Sunday, August 17, that he will contest for the Meru governorship, a seat he lost in the 2017 General Election to Kiraitu Murungi, after serving one term.

Why is Peter Munya back in Meru politics?

Speaking in Timau during the first day of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s tour of Meru, the Party of National Unity (PNU) leader said his decision to contest for the governorship was reached after listening to the voice of the people.

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He said he is ready to comply with what the locals want from him.

“I am not looking for any other position, but I want the position that you gave me: the Meru governorship,” said Munya.

He further explained that his declaration was not driven by personal interests, but by the urgent need to revive development projects, which he said would restore Meru to its former glory. He made reference to Timau Town, which he said is in a poor state, citing several missing basic amenities.

“A huge town like Timau doesn’t have water and a good sewerage system. The cabros I put here have begun getting damaged and the hospital I built has nothing added to it. Do you want me to come back as governor and rectify?” posed Munya.

In addition, the PNU party leader emphasised that his campaign would not be based on tribal divisions, stating that his goal is to serve all Meru residents equally, regardless of their tribe or region.

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Munya noted that tribal politics is often used by leaders who have failed to deliver developments to the people.

“I am not campaigning for the politics of clans where people say this person comes from this side and should be given a certain position. I want the gubernatorial position so that I can serve all Meru people without caring whether they come from Igembe, Tigania, or Imenti,” said Munya.

The former governor has kept a low profile since serving under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Cabinet.

Which politicians are eyeing Meru governor's seat?

His entry into the Meru gubernatorial race sets the pace for a fierce political contest in the county. The seat has already attracted several political heavyweights, among them impeached governor Kawira Mwanganza and incumbent Mutuma M’Ethingia.

The current Meru senator, Kathuri Murungi, is also rumoured to be eying the seat, although he has not yet publicly declared that he will be on the ballot.

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Meanwhile, Munya rallied Meru residents to reject divisive politics, stressing that PNU is committed to unity and inclusivity.

He further linked Meru’s growth to national politics, saying that the county can only thrive if it aligns with leaders who hold influence at the national level.

Are Meru leaders allied to Gachagua?

Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that a section of political leaders in Meru county said they will not abandon the government for the opposition side led by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.

Led by Senator Kathuri, the politicians said they are in government to stay, as they played a key part in its establishment.

Gachagua has been making efforts to make inroads into Meru, a county that overwhelmingly supported the Kenya Kwanza Coalition during the 2022 General Election.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke