Gema reaches out to Raila

By David Ochami and Maseme Machuka

The Gikuyu, Embu and Meru Association (Gema) says it supports Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s policies and described the premier as a leader committed to the welfare of ordinary Kenyans.

Following talks with Raila on the constitution, internally displaced people and environmental conservation on Monday its officials claimed the new Gema is apolitical and a promoter of peace and unity.

"If you are not supporting the PM, you are against your country," proclaimed Gema’s chairman Lawi Imathiu, a former Methodist bishop who said the organization wants Kenyans "to change our attitude" and "accept our leaders" in a change of perceptions among tribes that voted against Raila in the disputed 2007 polls.

Said Imathiu to the premier: "We support you in whatever you are doing. Your are interested in the welfare of Kenyans because they are your people."

It will not be lost to political observers that politically, Raila has not enjoyed support from the Gema regions and any move by representatives of the region towards Raila would be watched keenly.

But Raila rejected suggestions that he discuss the Kibaki succession or seek political alliances with Gema leaders. He said there is about three years before the next polls.

On Monday the organisation said it supports the premier’s conservation efforts in the Mau Forest Complex and other water catchment areas but also asked him to settle victims of political violence since 1992.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Gema Chairman Bishop Lawi Imathiu leave the Treasury Building after visiting the PM, on Monday. Photo: Collins Kweyu/Standard

Officials of Gema which was revived a couple of years ago to champion the interests of Central Kenyan tribes met the premier last evening in Nairobi and proclaimed that the organisation now rejects tribalism, sectarian politics and is committed to the unity of all Kenyans.

In the Kenyatta era, Gema wielded immense political and economic power besides links to militia and was in 1976 associated with the attempt to block former President Daniel Moi’s rise to power.

But on Monday Imathiu said: "We are not tribalists" and added that, "Gema wants to unite Gema tribes and the rest of Kenyans."

The high powered delegation was led by Njenga Karume, its current patron who also led the organisation during the Kenyatta era until it was proscribed by former President Moi in 1980.

"This is the new Gema," charged Imathiu who acknowledged that it is not easy to convince skeptics about the organisation’s motives owing to factors of history.

"It is very difficult to convince sceptics who have already made up their mind."

He said the Prime Minister should be supported to reclaim the Mau and other water catchment areas and all victims of political violence since 1992.

"Do not forget those who have been displaced since 1992."

Karume said Gema sought Monday’s meeting to petition the PM over internally displaced people and the crisis over Mau Forest.

"This not a political movement," he said and added that Gema is "after peace an unity for all Kenyans."

Raila said the government wants to settle all internally displaced people from 1992 and end impunity in apparent reference to the illegal settlement with the Mau Forest Complex.

"We need to bring some kind of sanity to our country. Impunity should be brought to an end."

Other Gema officials present included Peter Munga, Peter Njenga, a retired priest, Dr Stephen Karau and Kibuga Kareithi.