By Stephen Makabila

Debate continues over the relevance and political future of ethnic groupings as the first General Election under the new Constitution beckons.

Even as elaborate schemes to counter the re-emergence of Gema and Kamatusa are worked out, there are doubts whether such outfits may be politically sustainable.

Gema Cultural Association chair Lawi Imathiu speaks at Limuru II. PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

The Gikuyu-Embu-Meru Association (Gema), which brings together communities around Mt Kenya, is consolidating support for Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta. The Kalenjin-Masaai-Turkana-Samburu (Kamatusa) group rallies behind Eldoret North MP William Ruto.

Uhuru and Ruto have presidential ambitions, but face trial at The Hague-based International Criminal Court over crimes against humanity.

Political analysts say the two leaders’ attempt to consolidate support through tribal outfits could backfire.

"Gema and Kamatusa are not politically sustainable in the current circumstances unlike long before when people could rally behind their own leaders based on tribal affiliations," said Moi University law lecturer, Titus Bittok.

Lawyer Martin Oloo of the Kenya School of Law says seeking tribal support now is retrogressive, punitive and against the spirit of the new Constitution.

But Constitutional Affairs Assistant minister William Cheptumo argues there is nothing sinister about strategy meetings held by tribal groupings. "The Constitution has not outlawed tribes and there is nothing wrong with communities with similar background and interests congregating to address regional issues," added Cheptumo, the Baringo North MP.

One reason Uhuru and Ruto may find it hard rallying ethnic support for their presidential bid is because there are equally credible aspirants from within their own tribes and regions angling for president. In central Kenya, Gichugu MP Martha Karua (Kirinyaga County), Assistant Minister Peter Kenneth (Muranga County), Safina leader Paul Muite (Kiambu County), and Mutava Musyimi (Embu County) are running for president.

Political control

"Prof Macharia Munene of the United States International University, says it’s not easy for one single individual to have political control over Mt Kenya region and that the region has never been united. Muite declined to comment on the future of tribal groupings.

In Rift Valley, which is Ruto’s home base, Internal Security Minister George Saitoti, and Education PS James Kiyiapi, who is set to resign next week to focus on campaigns, could spoil the game for him. After a meeting in Eldoret endorsed Ruto for president and as the region’s and Kamatusa supremo, leaders from six counties in Rift Valley days later endorsed Saitoti as their preferred candidate. ODM, Kanu and former minister Nicholas Biwott’s New Vision Party are also likely to take a share of the Rift Valley votes.

ODM leaders are planning another meeting in Eldoret to counter Ruto’s recent endorsement. "We are going to give the region the right direction because the Kamatusa meeting was not inclusive," said an official of Friends of Raila (Fora-2012) lobby.

Heritage minister William ole Ntimama, the ODM point man in the South Rift, has been as dismissive as ever: "Kamatusa is like a cloud without water hovering above and not going anywhere in particular." UDM Secretary General Martin Kamwaro says the Maasai have been politically misused and that they were not ready to be part of an amorphous Kamatusa.

Former Trade minister Mukhisa Kituyi says an ethnic bloc has never propelled anyone to the presidency since 1963.

"Kenyatta became president fronted by a nationalistic party called Kanu. Narc was a national outfit that gave Kibaki the presidency in 2002," said Kituyi in an interview on KTN. Gema talks in Limuru, and Kamatusa in Eldoret, have been criticised by President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, MPs, and church leaders.

"It is important we remain united as Kenyans because the country is for all of us. Whenever we speak, we should speak as Kenyans," said Kibaki. Anglican Archbishop Eliud Wabukala and Catholic head John Cardinal Njue also condemned the revival of Gema and Kamatusa groupings in their Easter messages. Former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga accused Uhuru and Ruto of promoting ethnic hatred.

Njenga has planned a meeting for Limuru on April 18 to coincide with round two of the Gema talks at the same venue. Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi and ODM politician Aburi Mpuri, who are opposed the revival of Gema and Kamatusa movements, have promised to attend the Njenga meeting.