A section of Murang’a leaders have come out to dismiss planned coronation of the National Assembly Speaker, Justin Muturi, at a Murang’a traditional shrine.
On Wednesday Members of Murang’a County Assembly (MCA’s), vowed not to allow such a ritual event to take place at Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga shrine slated to be done on Saturday.
The MCAs who are members of the Assembly Committee for Culture said some members of Kikuyu Council of Elders are forcing the event to be done at the shrine against the wishes of many people.
Led by nominated MCA, Stephen Chege, the MCAs said the organizers of the event have not sought authority to use the shrine which is under supervision of the County Government.
They said Muturi who is being groomed to be spokesperson of Mount Kenya region, should not admit to being crowned in a shrine whose purpose is to offer traditional prayers.
“Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga is a very important shrine for the Agikuyu community. The place is used purposely for prayers but not for political activities. Let speaker Muturi be informed about the sacredness of the place he is being told to be coroneted,” said Chege.
The event has divided members of Kikuyu Council of Elders with some vowing to pray and bless Muturi as spokesperson for Mount Kenya region.
Other factions of the elders have termed the event as meaningless as they know the spokesperson of the region is President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kariara MCA, Karigi Murigi, said majority of elders are against the occasion, especially on the point that it is supposed to be done at the shrine.
“Elders whom I have talked to have said organizers of the occasion are just after money. Political events should not be done at the shrine believed to be the origin for the Agikuyu community,” he said.
Murigi said as representatives of people of Murang’a they will not allow such an activity to be conducted at the Shrine.
Ichagaki MCA, Charles Mwangi, dismissed the occasion, saying Mount Kenya region has its own spokesperson and has not retired.
“Elders, thinking they will come here to divide people from this region, are deemed to fail. Let’s respect the President and wait for the right time for such occasions. People may come out from the shrine with curses instead of blessings,” warned Mwangi.
Earlier, one of the organizers of the event, Mungai Kungu, said they will proceed with the ceremony despite resistance.
He noted that the occasion will bring together other communities which live in mount Kenya region and that the coronation of Muturi will bring a strong unity between Kikuyu, Embu, Meru and Mbeere communities.
By Bernard Munyao
