The Kamba community has never been part of the Gema contrary to recent claims, the elders have said.
Gema comprises the Gikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities and has been at the forefront of promoting unity across communities despite political differences.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka during a meeting last week with elders led by Wachira Kiago in Kiambu expressed his desire to see the Kamba community included in Gema, pointing out that the letter ‘A’ historically represented the group.
“I don’t know what happened that led to the dismissal of Akamba community from Gema. We are cousins and even our language is almost similar,” Kalonzo said.
But Gema chairman Bishop Lawi Imathiu refuted those claims, saying while discussions had taken place in the past, no formal agreement was ever reached.
He said Kalonzo’s allegation was misleading, noting that they only held a meeting with Kamba elders some years back at Masinga Dam during which Kamba elders requested to be included in Gema.
The clarification came even as Kikuyu Council of Elders’ patron Kung’u Muigai dismissed earlier reports in the media that Kalonzo was endorsed by illigitimate Gema elders during his Kiambu visit.
“I’m not a member of Gema and thus I can’t talk on their members. I’m only patron of Kikuyu Council of Elders,” he said.
Gema secretary general Arthur Namu said communities need proper procedure and consultation in matters of inclusion.
