Kikuyu elders call for BBI support

Kikuyu Council of Elders led by National Chairman Wachira Kiago addressing the media.

The Kikuyu Council of Elders has urged members of the Kikuyu community to unite ahead of the 2022 elections.

While holding their annual prayer day on Tuesday in Nyahururu, the elders took on politicians they accused of dividing the community.

Peter Munga, the council's secretary general, said the elders are backing the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a brainchild of President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Mr Munga called on the community to support BBI proposals and ignore any other discussions regarding 2022.

He said last year, the central region was divided politically and economically and it is time that rift healed.

Munga said it was in 2019 that leaders aligned themselves into two teams - Kieleweke and Tangatanga - which were fanning the division.

Divided leaders

“Going forward, we have decided as a council to bring our leaders together. We do not want a scenario where it is only our region whose leaders are divided,” Munga said.

He noted that it is a shame that some leaders have been insulting President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“We are holding these prayers to ask for forgiveness for those who have abused the president," said Munga.

"This is against our culture. Leaders are anointed by God and should not be abused."

Council chairman Wachira wa Kiago (pictured) said the elders would educate the community on BBI.

‘We have seen the report has good proposals, especially in the areas of resource sharing. It is good for the country. As elders, we will from this month traverse the region educating people about it," Mr Kiago said.

Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi also supported the calls for unity. He said for the region to develop, peace was important.

“We have to believe in ourselves and not let other people develop this country. That is why we have to listen to the elders," he said.