Weeks after he complained of feeling like a visitor in the party he helped create, Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi on Friday snubbed Deputy President William Ruto's function once again.
Neither the governor nor his deputy Titus Ntuchiu attended Ruto's first stop at the Meru Level Five Hospital, which, ironically, lands under the devolved unit which he leads.
Murungi and the deputy were also absent during the homecoming of Nominated MP Halima Mucheke, which was held at the Meru Polytechnic Grounds.
The function doubled up as a fundraiser women groups, where Kiraitu, who never sent his apologies, sent his Sh100,000 donation towards the course.
He was represented at the function by area Jubilee Party Secretary-General Al Hajj Mwenda who doubles up as Director of Events in the county government.
"We condemn the increasing autocratic tendencies in government that is rolling us back to the one-party era days,” said Mwenda.
Area Senator Mithika Linturi, one of the present leaders, promised Ruto that the region is fully behind him with regards to his presidential ambitions.
“Send our message to President Uhuru Kenyatta that Meru is settled on the 10 years for him and 10 years for you,” he said.
Others present included Beatrice Nkatha (Tharaka Nithi), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Moses Kirima (Central Imenti) and Rindiki Mugambi (Buuri).