A group of Kikuyu Elders, drawn from the Mount Kenya region and affiliated with Kiama Ki’ama, have urged the region’s political leaders to drop their planned impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in favor of talks between Elders and Leaders to address leadership deficiencies.
The elders, led by Deputy National Chairman Kiama Ki’ama Dr. Njoroge Wa Mugo from Laikipia County and joined by High Priest Muthamaki Thiong’o Wa Gitau, spoke at the Installation Ceremony of Ngari Wa Njogu to become the area patron in Limuru Sub County.
They stated that it is now imperative for the political class in the region and the elders to unite and forge a unity of purpose, resolving the division that has occurred in recent months between the deputy president and a section of leaders.
Dr. Njoroge claims that he implored the leaders to halt their purported attempt to bring an impeachment motion before Parliament, calling it malicious and uncalled for.
He stated that political tensions among leaders should decline and that instead, they should pursue development in line with their campaign pledges.
But he added, “We have realized there is a wedge between the Deputy President and Region politicians,” implying that as Elders, they are prepared to invite the Parliamentarians to consult with them to find out what these leaders know that is causing strife and disunity in the mountains.
He said that the statements and sentiments that have been heard have caused riots in the area, claiming that they are politically motivated and that a meeting with local politicians and DP Gachagua is necessary to resolve the issues.
Politician Maina Njenga echoed his views, stating that since the President and his deputy are in communication, there should be no cause for discord among those Kenyans elected to form the government and that it is crucial to respect Rigathe Gachagua, the highest ranking leader in the region of Mount Kenya.
Muthamaki, however, stated that in accordance with Kikuyu traditions, which call for boys to undergo the Rite of Passage as has been customary, the elders have conferred and decided not to hold the program of initiation of boys into manhood this year.
They point out that boys in Grade 8 are still enrolled in primary school, and they feel it is unfair for them to attend school alongside younger boys who they are not as advanced as.
They added that political class in the region ought to take a cue from President William Ruto, who successfully settled his differences with opposition leaders and established a broad-based government for the betterment of the nation’s development