­­You are out of order, Embu leaders tell Muturi over coronation as spokesman

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi. [File, Standard]

The coronation of National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi as the Mt Kenya spokesperson in Meru on Saturday has elicited mixed reaction from Embu leaders.

The leaders accused Muturi of insubordination and disrespect for the President, who they said is the region’s kingpin and spokesperson of the region.

Embu Jubilee chairman Nguru Karira said Muturi did not have the blessings of the Embu people, questioning why no elected leader accompanied him to the function.

Karira said Embu Governor Martin Wambora, who is in his second term and also the Council of Governors chairman, should have at least been invited.

“We agree to the fact that Muturi is third in command but how can you be coronated in the absence of other leaders?” Karira said.

He advised Muturi to carry everyone on board if he wants to vie for any position, adding that his leadership must start from his home ground.

“He is headed nowhere without consultation of all leaders, both elected and non-elected,” added Karira, who is also the BBI chairman in Embu.

The leaders apologised to the President and the nation for what they termed disrespect by one of their own.

Moses Wamuru, the ODM chair in Embu County, said the leaders who congregated at Mountain Breeze were also celebrating the third Handshake anniversary, which he said had clear gains.

Wamuru observed that a few selfish individuals had occasioned the challenges faced by the Handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

“As the Embu people we want to disassociate ourselves from the actions of the Speaker and are in full support of the President as kingpin and spokesperson of Mt Kenya region,” Wamuru said.

He also noted that there was no power vacuum within Mt Kenya to necessitate the coronation of a new leader.

“During Sagana Three declaration in our last meeting with the President, it was resolved that in case of a vacuum we will convene another meeting to chart the way forward,” said Wamuru.

He said the Speaker was out of order and should withdraw from the said actions.

Wamuru also noted that Muturi was elected to the Speaker’s position through the blessings of Jubilee and the President himself and therefore should be mindful of his actions.