Politicians from Meru community fight for Njuri Ncheke endorsement as elders are divided

Chuka University Vice-Chancellor Erastus Njoka addressing Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders at the ASK Showground in Meru, on Saturday, after being installed as the council's new patron. The elders ousted Muthaura as patron, claiming he had betrayed them after recognizing a splinter group that they said was being funded by politicians. (PHOTO: PHARES MUTEMBEI/ STANDARD)

The revered Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders, which holds much sway among the Meru community from Thuci in Tharaka Nithi to Ntonyiri, the farthest end of Meru County, is a divided house after emergence of two factions.

The split has been caused by politicians keen to woo the elders to their side, as they try to win various elective seats. Politicians who win the backing of the influential elders stand a better chance of being elected.