National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has been installed as the Mt Kenya spokesperson in an elaborate cultural event underlined by heavy political undertones
Muturi made a triumphant entry to the revered Gikuyu shrine of Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga in Murang’a county escorted by elders, defying threats and obstacles placed on the way.
During his acceptance speech Muturi said his role would be to unite the Gema community to ensure that they speak in one voice.
“I want to thank all the elders who have made this ceremony successful. I want to use the new status to preach peace and unity of the Gema people to ensure we speak in one voice,” said Muturi.
Kiama Kia Ma Patron Kungu Muigai said they had crowned Muturi as a spokesperson and not as a political leader and there was no contradiction of his role and that of President Uhuru.
The installation was a culmination of an-8day cleansing programme where he underwent various cultural and spiritual rituals to prepare him for the important task ahead.
Elders drawn from across the country and representing the GEMA nation of Gikuyu, Embu and Meru took part in the coronation.
There was a heavy deployment of security following threats by Murang’a County governor Mwangi wa Iria who said he had banned the event. Kikuyu Council of Elders and Kiama Kia Ma national leadership also distanced themselves from the event.
Kungu lashed out at Wairia asking to concentrate on his job including grading the road to the shrine instead of abusing elders revealing that they spent close to Sh500,000/- to prepare the grounds for the ceremony as it had been abandoned by the Muranga county government who are the custodians.
He warned Wairia that the mythical shrine believed to be the cradle for the Gikuyu community belonged to all Gikuyus and not just a section.
At the Mukurwe shrine however, there were elders mainly drawn from Kiama Kia Ma who graced the event – with the most senior conducting the rituals.
Cultural songs by Gikuyu benga musician the late Joseph Kamaru kept the elders and other guests entertained providing the perfect sound track. The air was as fresh as the morning dew in the shrine that has age old indigenous trees providing a natural ambience and therapeutic experience.
The last such event held at the grounds was for the late Njenga Karume where he was installed as the Gema cultural leader.
