Njuri Ncheke elders denoumce political endorsements by ousted members

Njuri Ncheke Secretary General Phares Ruteere addresses elders and new initiates during a traditional initiation ceremony at Gitoro Forest, Imenti North.

A faction of Njuri Ncheke elders has dismissed the endorsement of businesswoman Kawira Mwangazaan by some of the group's members.

Secretary General Josphat Murangiri said Njuri Ncheke was non-partisan and warned elders against endorsing politicians. "What the elders did has never happened since the establishment of Njuri Ncheke.

It was against the Meru customs," said Murangiri, flanked by other elders. He urged local people to avoid being influenced by elders.

Murangiri said the elders who conducted the endorsement ceremony, led by the council's former secretary and chairman, have now been ex-communicated for violating Njuri Ncheke's customs.

 The elders had on Monday endorsed the Baite TV owner Mwangaza to vie for the seat of woman representative.