AIPCA Archbishop Julius Njoroge Gitau with Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi at St Rosary AIPCA Kiithe Church in Meru. [Darlington Manyara]

Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has urged political leaders from the Mt Kenya to embrace peace through the Handshake and support President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Kiraitu said the alignments of leaders in different factions ahead of 2022 could derail development.

He said the leaders should heed to President's Uhuru Kenyatta calls to embrace the handshake and avoid 2022 succession politics.

Kiraitu spoke at St Rosary AIPCA-Kiithe in Imenti South where he urged church leaders to support the unity deal.

“AIPCA is a church that has a long history which should not be eroded due to leadership instability."

The governor added that wrangles in governance, just like in church leadership, are expected.

“l am also facing challenges as a governor but this is normal in leadership. Be strong and embrace peace," the governor said.

Meanwhile, the infighting at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) appears far from over.

One of the Archbishops denounced reports that the two warring factions have reconciled.

While preaching in Meru, Archbishop Julius Njoroge denounced media reports that he has reconciled with Archbishop Fredrick Wang’ombe who leads a second faction.

Njoroge said some forces within the church are misleading the faithful and the country.

He however asked the faithful to remain peaceful despite problems in church.