The elders numbering almost 100 took Raila through a number of rituals similar to the one they administered to former President Mwai Kibaki and his successor Uhuru Kenyatta.
This is the first time the group is endorsing a presidential candidate outside the larger Gema community.
Raila landed at Nchiru and proceed to the shrine, where the elders crowned him with headgear and a traditional sword.
The elders also presented a club and shield made from animal skin to the ODM boss who is making a fifth stab at the presidency.
Njuri Ncheke secretary general Josphat Murangiri on Tuesday said the council elders work in tandem with the government of the day.
He added that President Uhuru Kenyatta being the head of government and a symbol of unity has endorsed Raila' hence their decision to back him.
"His (Uhuru's) choice is our choice. This is meant for endorsement, our blessings to seek and garner votes from the Meru community. We are making him a one-day elder so that we can allow him to talk to us," he said.
The ODM leader accompanied by his running mate Martha Karua, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya and Governor Kiraitu Murungi later toured the county addressing rallies at Kianjai market and Maili Tatu stadium.
During the well-attended rallies, Raila brokered a truce between Kiraitu and Munya who have not been seeing eye to eye.
Raila asked the two to shake hands before the elders and during rallies in Kianjai and Maili Tatu as a public display that they have buried the hatchet and are now working as a team to turn the region blue.
In Kianjai, Raila defended his decision to snub the presidential debate with Deputy President William Ruto saying he will meet his challenger on the ballot.
Raila and Ruto are the two front runners in the State House race which also has George Wajackoyah of the Roots Party and David Mwaure of Agano.
“I don’t have time to engage 'thieves', we will meet on the ballot,” Raila said.
The former Prime Minister also reiterated his administration will win the anti-graft war saying that is the only way to get resources to implement his manifesto.
“We will win the anti-graft to unlock resources to finance all our programmes,” he said.
The ODM boss also promised to construct a new bridge at Nithi River, the accident spot that claimed 34 lives after a Modern Coast Bus heading to Mombasa plunged into the river.
Raila’s entourage included Azimio executive director Raphael Tuju, Cotu boss Francis Atwoli, Governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Ann Kananu (Nairobi), MPs Maoka Maore (Igembe North), Junet Mohamed (Suna East) and former lawmaker Peter Kenneth.
The leaders told the region to reject Ruto whom they accused of targeting their son, Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti, should he ascend to power.
“Ruto has threatened to sack Kinoti, the only way to protect your son is by voting Raila en mass,” Tuju said.
Kenneth said the DP has lost respect for top national leaders including his boss President Uhuru Kenyatta.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
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