In a major political statement, the Luo Council of Elders sent a powerful delegation of nearly 10MPs to the coronation of Kikuyu elders’ patron – Kinyua Mwangi in Nyeri on Saturday.
Kinyua who until his coronation was the chairman of Kiama Kia Ma for Kirinyaga County was crowned patron of the united Kikuyu elders at a colourful traditional ceremony at Lusoi Ranch Resort.
He will now lead both Kiama Kia Ma and Kikuyu Council of Elders who have now united under shared responsibilities.
The two cultural groups have been seeking unity of purpose for several years and marked a milestone when they united and agreed on a patron who will now lead them.
In his acceptance speech Kinyua said the Kikuyu community was now united and will move forward speaking in one voice. He pledged to work for the unity of the Mt Kenya region and the country at large.
And in a show of intent, the Luo Council of Elders sent a strong delegation of 10MPs led by Senior Council and Siaya Senator James Orengo.
Others present were EALA MP Oburu Odinga, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang’, Dr Jackline Oduor (Nominated MP), Dr Pamela Odhiambo, Migori County MP, Dr James Nyikal MP Seme and a host of professional.
They presented gifts to the patron and pledged to work with him in their bid to unite the two communities and the country at large.
The Kikuyu elders’ side had several leaders who included Governor Francis Kimemia who is the chairman of Mt Kenya governors and who delivered a message of goodwill from the county chiefs.
MPs Peter Mwathi of Limuru and Jeremiah Kioni of Ndaragwa were also present as well as former MP and BBI secretariat co- chair Dennis Waweru and deputy governors from Kirinyaga and Nyeri.
The Luo Council of Elders chairman also known as Ker was represented at the ceremony by his secretary Jacob Ochino who said they were happy to be part of the ceremony.
Ochino also said they are immensely grateful to the Kikuyu Council of Elders for their visit to Bondo a year ago saying the impact of the visit is still being felt to date terming it as historical.
Oburu on his part said he was very happy to see the two groups of elders unite saying that during the Bondo visit, he was under pressure after some people told him that he was dealing with only a small group of elders.
“I am very happy today to see this unity and also to witness the installation of a new patron in broad daylight. During the Bondo visit, I was under pressure after some people called me to say that I had left out the bigger group,” said Oburu.
Orengo said when the Luo and Kikuyu communities work together the country makes great strides saying the unity of the two communities is important for Kenya.
