Justin Muturi coronation underway in Murang’a amid tight security [PHOTOS]

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi (in black) at Mukurwe Wa Nyagathanga in Murang’a County. [Ndungu Gachane, Standard]

The crowning of National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi as Mt Kenya spokesperson is underway at Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga in Murang’a County.

Muturi arrived at the shrine in the company of police officers and men in black after warning by Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria that he would stop the ceremony.

Speaker Justin Muturi is to be coronated as Mt Kenya spokesperson. [Ndungu Gachane, Standard]

Muturi is on record saying he was ready to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta as the region’s spokesperson.

The Speaker said once crowned as the spokesperson, he will use his new role to unite the region through consultation and ensure Mt Kenya is well represented in national matters.

Police officers stand guard at the entrance to the shrine in Murang'a County. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

Muturi has been on sabbatical for a few days undertaking some rituals before the crowning event slated today.

Kikuyu Council of Elders arrive at Mukurwe Wa Nyagathanga shrine in Murang'a. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

On Thursday, Wa Iria maintained that he would not allow people in the name of elders to play politics with the shrine which was bequeathed to the Agikuyu community.

The Murang'a governor vowed to mobilise "sons and daughters of the Agikuyu community to come out in large numbers to defend their shrine."

Security officers at the entrance of Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga Shrines in Murang’a County. [Kimani Githuku, Standard]

“This is not a political stadium but a shrine. Even former President Mwai Kibaki and President Uhuru Kenyatta have never attempted to defile the ground despite being presidents and real heads of our community. I’m ready to defend the spirits of our parents,” Wa Iria said.

Like Muturi, the governor is also in the succession race but he has denied claims that he is thwarting the ceremony because of vested interest.

Elders at Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga shrine in Murang’a County. [Kimani Githuku, Standard]

He said allowing such a ‘defilement’ to happen could bring a catastrophe to the Kikuyu community.

“I'm the custodian of the shrine given that it is under my administration. Allowing such a retrogressive activity to proceed will be tantamount to welcoming a curse on my people. Even John Michuki and other serious leaders were crowned community heads at Ihura Stadium and not at the shrine,” said Wa Iria.

A ram earmarked for slaughter at Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga in Murang’a County. [Kimani Githuku, Standard]

A faction led by Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi said that they were in support of the coronation.

Kiraitu noted that despite its huge population, the Mt Kenya region had lost its political strength and there was a need to regain it through Muturi.