Tone down early campaigns, leaders and elders caution

Kikuyu Council of Elders after addressing the media in Kiambu County yesterday. [Boniface Okendo, Standard)

More leaders from Mt Kenya region have come out to speak as 2022 succession politics rage.

Yesterday, a section of Murang’a leaders led by Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria and Kikuyu Council of Elders Association called for an end to heightened, premature and divisive campaigns.

The governor and MPs Peter Kimari (Mathioya) and Nduati Ngugi (Gatanga), said a clique of leaders have specialised in creating disunity within the presidency.

Speaking at Kenol, they said Murang’a has benefited from development projects initiated by the Government and told the clique to stop creating divisions. “Politicians should be serious and stop analysing language used by leaders. Globally leaders have language they use to communicate, and only in Kenya they are analysed by busy bodies,” said Governor Iria.

He added that former Presidents used terms such as vinyangarika, ‘mafi ya kuku’ as their language wondering why they have blown President Kenyatta’s shenzi remark out of proportion.

And Speaking in Kiambu, the elders condemned early campaigns, saying they are opening wounds of last elections including past ethnic tensions.  “Politicians should stop opening wounds they caused. They must refrain from inciting speeches and actions, as this may take Kenya down the precipice. In this, there will be no victors but all will be victims,” said the elders in a speech read by Secretary General James Nene.

On 2022 succession politics, they said they have no preferred presidential candidate but said when time comes, they will deliberate on who to support.

Meanwhile, former elected leaders have supported President Kenyatta’s wish to change the Constitution.

The leaders, under umbrella body of OPA Association of Kenya, and who include former governors, MPs, Women Reps, county assembly Speakers and East Africa Legislative Assembly MPs, spoke at a a Nairobi hotel yesterday.

“The President has hinted in the recent past on his wish that the 2010 Constitution should be re-looked at with possible amendments to create an inclusive governance structure that would deliver a cohesive society. We support this initiative,” said association chairman Dr Humphrey Njuguna.

They also called for respect of President Kenyatta as a symbol of national unity.