Controversy rocks Njuri Ncheke polls

Fears of violence have been raised over today’s Njuri Ncheke elections called by a rival faction and Meru County government.

Yesterday, Meru County communication department, released a statement announcing the elections will be held today, while the council’s top leadership denied elections will be held.

“Njuri Ncheke will hold its first ever democratic elections to install office bearers on Saturday, February 7, at Nchiri Shrine located at Nchiru, opposite Meru University of Science and Technology from 9am.

Come and witness this historic milestone in the restoration of the Njuri, marking a genuine recourse to the traditions of the Ameru,” read the statement sent by Isaiah Thiaine, the communication director.

A section of Njuri Ncheke elders have planned for elections to replace Phares Ruteere and Paul M’Ethinkia, the secretary general and chairman, respectively.  

The elections will reportedly to be supervised by acting Culture executive Mary Mwiti. But current office bearers have warned rivals against setting foot at the shrine to hold any elections.  

“We are calling for a stop to the exercise because it is illegal. It is only a small group that has been paid to spoil our good name. They are spoiling for a fight. We do not want a repeat of violence as witnessed in Narok in Meru,”  M’Ethinkia said.