The much-hyped Limuru meeting of Gikuyu Embu Meru Association (Gema) did not surprise in the resolutions reached.
Gema failed to address mega problems afflicting the communities they claim to speak for. From the resolutions, one confirms that the real challenges facing the communities supposed to be under this umbrella are drowned by interests of a few.
Are the wretched among Gema seeing the ICC case as a priority? Are they eager for a single regional political messiah? Kenyans should always turn their backs on such ethnic outfits that are only active during electioneering period.
It is interesting that the leaders tasked Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta to "protect their interests." Instead, the conveners should have impressed on the electorate to pick vibrant MPs and other representatives come next polls. Equally, the Gema enthusiasts should have prepared their communities for any eventuality with regard to ICC cases instead of engaging in wishful thinking about altering the court’s schedule through petitions.
Sentiments attributed to Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire that Uhuru should "consult us" before responding to any summonses from The Hague reeks of being cantankerous. Such statements could boomerang on the accused’s defence during trials.
Nicholas Cheruiyot, Bomet
The Gema group who were once rebuked due to the power they wielded decades ago should realise this is a new Kenya ready to scrap tribalism.
The cultural progress should centre on bringing togetherness in the nation rather than having an ethnic exclusivity that makes other tribes uncomfortable and trigger tribal hatred.
Gema’s drive to advance social and political interest of their people is not going to yield fruits as Kenya is no longer driven by the tribal leader’s choices.
The Gema choice cannot surpass those of the entire nation and, therefore, should be focusing on stirring Kenya to oneness rather than previous decades of ethnic hatred.
Carol Mutua, Nairobi
The prominence accorded to the tribal grouping from Mt Kenya region is bad for national unity. The same goes to Mombasa Republican Council (MRC), which champions secessionism.
Why the double standards towards proscribed groups? The Government under former President Moi banned all tribal entities. Abaluyia Association, Luo Union and Akamba Association for posing a threat to national integration.
Why is Gema allowed to operate? Political leaders are fond of falling back to the tribal backing when faced with a challenge. Gema legislators rally behind public officers implicated in impropriety.
Suspended Deputy CJ Nancy Baraza pulled a similar stance. It appears there is honour in ethnic unity at the expense of national unity.
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Kenyans are left astounded when Cabinet minister Kiraitu Murungi, a reform agent in the 1990’s, urges tribal unity instead of advancing nationalism.
Former reform voices have stooped too low to embrace ethnicity driven politics. Kiraitu, Orengo, Kajwang’ and Nyong’o are all now the opposite of what they fought for.
The ex-Young Turks failed to live by word and deed of the patriotism, which united them against Kanu autocracy. Moi’s outlawing of these outfits will remain a lasting legacy. Gema and MRC have no place in modern Kenya.
The National Integration and National Cohesion should stop the polarisation. Uhuru Kenyatta does not need Gema to win the ICC case.
B Amaya, Nairobi
Now that Cecily Mbarire is suggesting Uhuru shouldn’t attend the ICC hearings, why doesn’t she ask her husband who is facing corruption charges locally also to refuse to attend court?
Isn’t that being cheeky?
P. l. Ouko
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