Jacob Kaimenyi, Mithika Linturi clash over genuine Njuri Ncheke

Members of Njuri Ncheke elders protest in Meru town after a case challenging their election was postponed in a Meru court recently. There are currently two factions, one led by Phares Rutere and the other by Linus Kathera, both supported by Meru politicians. [Photo: Patrick Muthuri/Standard]

Wrangles between different factions of the Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders came to the fore yet again at a function graced by Deputy President William Ruto.

Although members of both factions, one led by Phares Rutere and the other by Linus Kathera were present at the thanksgiving ceremony for Woman Rep Florence Kajuju, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof Jacob Kaimenyi only recognised Mr Ruteere's group in his speech.

Mr Kaimenyi heaped praise on the Ruteere group for 'a sterling job for the Ameru community'.

But an irked Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi castigated Kaimenyi for purporting that the Ruteere faction are the genuine elders of the community.

Mr Ruteere, the long-serving secretary general of the council of elders was instrumental in installing Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki as an elder, and the Spokesman of the larger Meru community, that wraps the Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties.

Governor Peter Munya, who is on a collision course with the Prof Kindiki, the Tharaka Nithi Senator, as they jostle for political supremacy in the region, led the Kathera faction in ousting the Ruteere group as council of elders.

When he rose to speak, Mr Linturi turned on Kaimenyi and dismissed the Ruteere faction saying they are not recognised.

Political re-alignment

 "I want to correct the CS. I am a Njuri Ncheke elder. We did a coup at Nchiru (elders shrine). I do not know of this other Njuri Ncheke," he said, pointing at the seated elders.

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria had earlier highlighting Prof Kaimenyi's importance in Meru County, saying he was a top technocrat just as former head of public service Francis Muthaura was, during President Mwai Kibaki's tenure.

Political experts see the wrangles among Meru leaders as political re-alignment ahead of 2017 general elections, and beyond.

Prof Kindiki was not present at the function. "I was invited to the event, but it was not possible to attend," he told The Standard on phone.

The Meru Professionals Association headed by Erastus Njoka, Mr Muthaura and former surveyors boss Mwenda Makathino are some of key supporters of Kindiki and the Ruteere faction. The three also attended Kindiki's installation as Ameru Spokesman.

Kindiki and Senator Kiraitu Murungi have maintained a respectful engagement. Mr Kiraitu has for a long-time been assumed as the Ameru leader, but the entrance of Kindiki in Meru politics has led to a shift in leadership.

Kindiki is being propped as DP Ruto's running mate in the 2022 polls.