A session with Njuri Ncheke, Kenya's most revered Council of Elders

Nchuri Ncheke, Uringo Division Chairman, Julias Mbogori outside their National Headquarters in Tigania. [Njiru Rukenya]

Often billed as Africa's first truly democratic society, the Ameru are traditionally governed by an elected council of elders, from clan level right up to the supreme arbiters - the Njuri Ncheke, the most revered and respected Council of Elders. The council draws membership from Ameru elite. Governor Kiraitu Murungi, for instance, is a member of the Council, a fact he does not shy away from even when addressing his County Assembly.

The headquarters of Governing Council of Elders is the Njuri Ncheke Shrine located in Nchiru, Tigania West. It is near the Meru University along Meru-Maua road and occupies a 20-acre piece of land, which is considered sacred ground.  It is a heritage site under the care of the National Museums of Kenya and acts as the Supreme Court and the Ameru Parliament.