Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has distanced himself from a purported political declaration calling on Mt Kenya East to chart an independent path ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the document circulating online was forged.
Muturi said the statement, dated September 2, 2026, falsely carries his name and signature and was presented as a joint declaration by political leaders from Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi.
The Democratic Party leader said he neither prepared nor signed the document and had not authorised its release or circulation.
“I have taken note of a document being circulated on social media and other platforms, purporting to be a joint press statement by leaders from Mt. Kenya East and bearing my name and signature. I wish to categorically state that this document is fake and fraudulent. I did not author it, I did not sign it, and I did not consent to its publication or circulation. The signature attributed to me has been forged.”
The disputed document is titled “Enough is Enough: Mt Kenya East Will Not Be Used, Silenced, Dissolved or Dictated To — We Chart Our Own Course in 2027”.
It calls for Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi to take greater control of their political direction, arguing that the three counties have for years backed wider national political alliances without getting equal influence, development and representation in return.
It also rejects efforts to regard Mt Kenya East as an extension of Mt Kenya West, arguing that the region should make its own political choices ahead of the 2027 election.
The document further cites the political changes surrounding former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his replacement by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, linking the developments to wider concerns about the political position of Mt Kenya East.
It is purportedly signed by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, Muturi, Lenny Kivuti, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi and former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi.
Muturi’s denial, however, means his name and purported signature on the document cannot be treated as evidence that he supported or endorsed the declaration.
The dispute comes as leaders from Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi continue to debate whether the region should remain aligned with the government or pursue a more independent political position ahead of 2027.
Ruku has been at the centre of calls for Mt Kenya East to build stronger political and economic independence, saying the three counties can use their combined influence to secure a greater share of national resources.
In July, Ruku said Mt Kenya East had opted to remain in government and support President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in the 2027 election.
He has also been pushing Muturi, PNU leader Peter Munya and DEP-Mbus leader Lenny Kivuti to work with Kindiki, arguing that such cooperation would give Mt Kenya East greater bargaining power.
The push has been complicated by differences between the three leaders and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Muturi, Munya and Kivuti have accused Gachagua of trying to weaken smaller political parties by pressuring them to dissolve and join the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
The debate has consequently centred on two competing positions — maintaining regional unity within wider political alliances or building a more independent Mt Kenya East political bloc.
Kindiki has called on leaders from the region to remain united as the country heads towards the 2027 election, while Ruku has continued to push for a stronger and more distinct political voice for Mt Kenya East.
Muturi has now accused unnamed government actors of using propaganda and misinformation to drive a wedge between opposition leaders.
“We all know where such tactics come from. Those in government have become increasingly uncomfortable with the growing political awakening among Kenyans and the strengthening of voices from the opposition. They have resorted to propaganda, misinformation and now outright forgery in an attempt to manipulate the public and create imaginary disagreements among leaders.”
He said his political views would only be communicated through his recognised official channels and warned against relying on documents circulating online.
“My political position will never be communicated through forged letters or anonymous social media accounts. I will continue to speak for myself, and my position will always be communicated through my official channels.”
Muturi urged Kenyans, political leaders and media organisations to refrain from sharing the disputed document as political alliances and realignments continue to emerge ahead of the 2027 General Election.