logo
ADVERTISEMENT

Is Njuri Ncheke's blessing still important or out of date?

Blessing sought by politicians; some consider it a third government after state and county.

image
by The Star

News10 May 2022 - 11:20
ADVERTISEMENT

In Summary


•The Council does not pick or endorse somebody due to their influence but trust and leadership qualities.

•They participated in blessing President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto for their two terms.

 

The Njuri Ncheke Supreme Council of Elders are in great demand from politicians seeking their blessings to be servant leaders.

The elders' councilin Meru, which has been in existence since before Independence, is always in sought out by politicians to convince voters of their stellar qualities.

Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders secretary general Josphat Murangiri said the elders bestow the blessings to capable and trustworthy leaders.

They recently endorsed Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi's second term, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi who joined Kenya Kwanza, Meru assembly Speaker Joseph Kaberia for senator and recently Kirimi Murea, popularlyknown as  Diba, for MCA for Thangatha.

"Njuri is a cultural government that is found only in Meru. It is the third government apart from the county and national government," Murangiri told the Star by phone this week.

"It does not speak falsehoods. The council does not pick or endorse somebody due to their influence but their trust and leadership qualities. Njuri is for peace. We stand by our words. We work with government and can't campaign against a sitting government," he said.

Makembo M'ntuakwalu and Geoffrey Mbuko who are among the respected elders said most leaders do not honour their promises they make to residents but expressed confidence Murea will entrench public participation in good governance.

"We have been asking how we can have a culture house at Thaathi. Our farm produce including honey goes to waste due to lack of good roads and markets. You, Murea, are our eyes," M'Ntuakwalu said.

"We ferry patients on our backs or on stick beds and it has been a thorn in our flesh," Mbuko said.

He said Kunati dispensary often does not have medicines. Tobacco used to be a cash crop but it died out. The Mikinduri-Gacibime road is in a pathetic state as people protest without action," he said.

"We have never found a saviour. You are our son. We thank God for giving us Diba and the we have given you the throne to represent the people of Thangatha ward. Many do not recognise or value area residents after elections," Mbuko said.

Murea told the elders that during his leadership, the ward will be transformed.

"I take up the mantle to champion the rights and development of our people. We will bring change we have been thirsting for. We will enhance land adjudication and title deeds issuance in Ikana and Thangatha."

Murea said he will upgrade roads and bring electric connectivity.

"It is our time as youths. I will never discriminate as your leader in Thangatha," Murea said.

Murea drummed up support for Agriculture CS Peter Munya to be Azimio flagbearer Raila Odinga's running mate.

(Edited by V. Graham)

“WATCH: The latest videos from the Star”
ADVERTISEMENT