Linturi's tenure in elective politics came to a halt in 2022 when he lost the Meru governorship seat to Kawira Mwangaza. The fiercely contested battle also saw him competing against former Governor Kiraitu Murungi.

Linturi, a close ally of President William Ruto, was subsequently nominated to become Agriculture minister. He told the parliamentary vetting panel that he was worth Sh1.2 billion and that he grew up in the village in a family of eight children.