- Political players argue that the once-unified voice of the Mt Kenya region is now fractured, with competing interests pulling it in different directions.
- The recent situation in the Kiama Kia Ma Elders' Council is particularly emblematic of the challenges facing these councils as well as in Kikuyu Council of Elders.
Image: AMOS NJAU
The political landscape of Mt Kenya underwent shifts following the divisive 2022 elections, leaving no community untouched.
In particular, the influential Mt Kenya Elders' Councils found themselves at the epicentre of a storm of internal discord and splintering, reflecting the broader fractures within the region's political fabric.
The GEMA Council of Elders and the Kikuyu Council of Elders, for example, threw their support behind Raila Odinga's Azimio coalition, while the Kiama Kia Ma elders’ Council stood in solidarity with William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza movement.
This divergence in political loyalties marked a departure from the region's traditional voting patterns and laid the groundwork for internal rifts within the councils.
Political players argue that the once-unified voice of the Mt Kenya region is now fractured, with competing interests pulling it in different directions.
The recent situation in the Kiama Kia Ma Elders' Council is particularly emblematic of the challenges facing these councils as well as in Kikuyu Council of Elders.
One camp is led by Ndung'u Gaithuma while the other is led by Shamte Munyua.
Similarly, in the Kikuyu Council of Elders, two rival factions led by Wachira Kiago and Samuel Kimani Maigua are locked in a battle for recognition as the official council.
Both claim to be the rightful leaders, further complicating the situation.
Amidst the chaos and confusion, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has extended an olive branch to the Mt Kenya elders, expressing his willingness to work with them to heal the divisions within the region.
Gachagua's call for unity and collaboration comes at a crucial moment, as the elders grapple with the fallout from the divisive 2022 polls.
He is trying to reunite the region and its elders divided between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza.
"We must put aside our differences and come together for the greater good of the Mt Kenya region. Only through unity and solidarity can we overcome the challenges that lie ahead. “Gachagua said during a recent interview with Inooro TV.
On Friday last week, some Kiama Kia Ma members formally requested the Director of Criminal Investigations to probe a splinter passing off as the original council.
Led by chairman 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 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 thus they aren’t supposed to carry out any mandate of the Kiama Kia Ma," he said.
In response, Gaithuma who spoke to the Star via phone said his legitimacy as the bonafide chairman of Kiama Kia Ma, was 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 to office. We also have official financial returns that we submitted to the 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 Muigai, speaking during a cultural event in Kamwangi a week ago, 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 group for attempting to disrupt Saturday's cultural event in Kamwangi.
An elder who sought anonymity has said councils are being torn apart by competing interests and allegiances.
He said the fallout from the electioneering period has left them fractured and vulnerable, with rival factions fighting for recognition and legitimacy.
Charles Nga’ng’a, JKUAT don and political analyst told the Star that the aftermath of the 2022 elections in Kenya saw not just a political reshuffle but also reverberations within influential Mt Kenya elders' councils.
He said these councils, traditionally revered for their role in guiding the region's political landscape, found themselves grappling with internal divisions fuelled by the polarisation of the electoral process.
"The aftermath of the 2022 elections has left our council deeply divided. They are used to standing as a united voice, offering guidance and wisdom to our community. But now, they find themselves torn apart by differing political allegiances and personal ambitions," he said.
Simon Njoroge, a respected elder from Murang’a has expressed his concerns about the growing divisions within the councils in the region.
He said the emergence of splinter groups within the councils reflects broader generational and ideological shifts occurring within the Mt Kenya region noting that younger, more progressive voices are demanding greater representation and a departure from traditional modes of governance, while the older generation seeks to preserve established norms and values.
"The unity that once defined us is now under threat," he said. "The aftermath of the 2022 polls has fuelled internal strife, leading to the formation of splinter groups that undermine our collective strength,"Njoroge said.
However, others see the emergence of splinter groups as a positive development, reflective of a vibrant and dynamic political landscape.
"Change is inevitable," said Samuel Gitonga, a community organiser in Starehe constituency. "While the divisions may be painful in the short term, they signal a necessary evolution in our political discourse and governance structures."
He called on elders to unite and speak with one voice for the sake of community development.