Kikuyu Council of elders’ National chairman Wachira Wa Kiago and his Kiama Kiama officials on Saturday held a joint event in Nyeri to endorse Kinyua Wa Mwangi as national patron ahead of the 2022 general elections.
The event was held in Nyeri County, Kieni constituency where a huge delegation drawn from across the country attended.
Among those in attendance include, Siaya Senator James Orengo, EALA MP Oburu Odinga, Otiende Amollo, and representatives from the Luo Council of elders.
Speaking to the Star, the Kikuyu council of elders’ national chairman Wachira Kiago downplayed rumours that the event was political.
He said that the Kikuyu council of elders is trying to unify the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2022 polls.
He said that the joint event between the Kikuyu Council of elders and Kiama Kiama is an indicator that the unity of the region is paramount.
“Today is a huge day for us as leaders of Kikuyu nation, we are installing Kinyua Mwangi as a national patron to help us champion the unity agenda," he said.
Kinyua Mwangi formerly served as chairman of Kiama Kiama in Kirinyaga County.
Kiama Kia Ma is the cultural pillar of the Kikuyu Council of Elders, whose other pillars include economy, politics, and social welfare.
Also speaking, Secretary-general of Kikuyu Council of elders Rev Peter Munga said that they had guests from all counties across the country.
He said that they are bringing sanity to the leadership of the two groups.
He revealed that Raila Odinga was invited but was represented by his elder brother Oburu Odinga.
“Raila Odinga won’t attend the event today but he is well represented by his people and we are happy with that,” Munga said.
He urged leaders within the Mount Kenya region to shun divisive politics and focus on development agendas.
This meeting comes barely two weeks after the initial plan to hold it in August was cancelled by the government.
President Uhuru Kenyatta’s cousin, Captain Kungu Muigai, who is a patron for the Kenya National Council of Elders didn’t attend the meeting.
Kungu recently told the media that, Wachira group isn’t allowed to speak on behalf of the community and thus it should not be taken seriously.
Two rival groups within the Mount Kenya region have been fighting for recognition as the official Kikuyu council of elders.
One camp is led by Wachira Kiago while the other group is led by Samuel Kimani Maigua.
Both claim to be bonafide Kikuyu council of elders' national chairman.
Wachira’s group operates at Homeland lounge along Thika road just opposite Garden City Mall while Maigua group operates in Nakuru County.
Edited by D Tarus
