- Gema, which comprises of the Gikuyu, Embu and Meru communities, has been at the forefront of championing community unity
- He said the community is always left at crossroads when the leaders fight each other
Image: PCS
The Gema council of elders has pledged to support Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua quest to unite the Mount Kenya region for the sake of development and stability.
Gema, which comprises of the Gikuyu, Embu and Meru communities, has been at the forefront of championing community unity irrespective of political affiliations.
In an interview with the Star, Bishop Lawi Imathiu, the Gema chairman, asserted that the unity of Mount Kenya region is not an optional consideration and must be respected.
He said the community is always left at crossroads when the leaders fight each other.
"Our leaders must speak with one voice as they work for the people for the sake of development," Imathiu said.
He praised Gachagua's efforts to reach out to leaders across the region, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta and those in the opposition.
“It’s a good gesture for Gachagua to reach out to former president Uhuru Kenyatta and we will appreciate if he (Gachagua) will succeed in convincing him( Uhuru) for the sake of unity, “he said.
Arthur Namu, Gema secretary general, echoed the sentiment, stressing that this is not the time for political maneuvering; leaders must prioritize working for the people who elected them into power.
He refuted claims of division within the region, emphasising the need for leaders to safeguard the existing unity and support government initiatives.
He said this is not the time for politics and leaders must work for the people who elected.
"We need service delivery to our people, and we don’t want our people to be divided along lines of selfishness," Namu said.
Mount Kenya Council of Elders Patron Kung’u Muigai on Wednesday during interview with Star emphasised the importance of regional unity.
He urged Gachagua and Uhuru to set aside political differences and unite for the growth and unity of the Mount Kenya region.
"We are prepared to facilitate any meeting, whether it is a handshake or a sit-down, for the sake of the region's growth," Kung'u said.
Gachagua last week urged leaders to unite to promote youth participation in socio-economic activities.