Kikuyu Council of Elders' Kiama Kia ma has formally requested the Director of Criminal Investigations to probe a splinter passing off as the original council.
Led by chairman Shamte Munyua, the petition was submitted with signatures from Captain Waweru Mbugua, Kinyua Wamwobe (Kirinyaga),Waruhiu Ndirangu (Nyandarua), Saitoti Kabuiku (Kajiado), Karime Waithaka (Laikipia).
Addressing reporters at the DCI headquarters in Kiambu County on Friday, Munyua highlighted concerns over the alleged forgery of their certification by the splinter group, led by suspended individuals who are no longer recognised as members.
Munyua specifically called out Ndung’u Gaithuma who he claimed is unlawfully acting on behalf of the council.
"We are here to petition the DCI to investigate the misconduct of Ndung’u Gaithuma and his group. They were voted out of office but thus they aren’t supposed to carry out any mandate of the Kiama Kia ma," he said.
Captain Waweru Mbugua reiterated the elders' determination to pursue justice, and expressed confidence in the authorities' intervention to apprehend and prosecute those impersonating their officials.
He condemned what he claimed was exploitation of unsuspecting elders by the splinter group through charging members for badges.
Mbugua said the group was charging Sh1,000 for printing and issuance of membership badges.
"We have the trust with this administration and we are optimistic that action will be taken and those who are impersonating our officials be arrested and prosecuted," he said.
In response, Gaithuma who spoke to the Star via phone asserted his legitimacy as the bonafide chairman of Kiama Kia ma, backed by society registration certificates and financial records.
He expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the opposing faction to resolve any grievances.
"We held our AGM last year in August and we were elected in office. We also have official financial returns that we submitted to registrar as per the regulations," he said.
Gaithuma acknowledged the allegations of charging members Sh1,000 saying it serves to demonstrate transparency in their source of funds.
However, Kiama Kia ma patron Captain Kung'u, speaking during a cultural event in Kamwangi on Saturday, criticised the splinter group for levying the fees on members, which he deemed contrary to tradition.
He emphasised the importance of autonomy for each group to conduct its activities without interference.
"They are after money and have already started demanding that their members should have identification badges which cost Sh1,000 each. We won’t interfere with whatever they are doing and so they should stop interfering with our activities,” he said.
Kung'u at the same time told off the splinter the group for attempting to disrupt Saturday's cultural event in Kamwangi.
He said every group has the right to conduct their activities devoid of any disruptions and altercations.
