Elders from the GEMA community have emphasized the need for unity in the Mt Kenya leaders ahead of the crucial 2022 General Election where the region’s numerical advantage is always crucial.
There have been fears the region is not only torn between Mt Kenya East (Meru, Embu, Mbeere) and Mt Kenya West (Kikuyu) but also for the Kielewekepolitical faction (allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta) and the Tanga Tanga faction (allied to DP Ruto).
Speaking on Friday, June 25, the elders from both sides of the mountain called on Mt Kenya leaders to put aside their political affiliations and unite for the benefit of the region that has over decades voted as a block.
“We say our strength is our unity…as elders, we are the ones who own this part of Mount Kenya and we are the ones who have the right to talk about issues affecting this region,
“Thus, we will not allow our people to be divided by politicians as we approach the election,” the elders said.
The rift between Mt Kenya East and West emerged after the coronation of National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi as the spokesperson of the Mt Kenya region.
While those from the East supported Muturi’s coronation, a section of leaders from the West dismissed the coronation exercise saying President Uhuru Kenyatta remains GEMA spokesman.
The call by the elders for Mt Kenya unity comes barely days after former Meru governor and Agriculture CS Peter Munya who pleaded for the political unity of GEMA communities failure to which the region might find itself in opposition after 2022 General Election.
“If we want to be in the next government, we must remain united with our counterparts. If we are split we will not make it alone (in the 2022 General Election), ” Peter Munya told Mt Kenya leaders.
