The meeting convened by powerful Kikuyu Council of Elders on Friday at Kabiru-ini in Nyeri had a strong backing by powerful individuals in government, reports the Nation.
At the meeting, speakers condemned Deputy President William Ruto over what they termed as disrespect to President Uhuru Kenyatta. They also rebuked leaders allied to Ruto from Central Kenya.
Sources claim that a powerful senator from Mt Kenya, a powerful Principal Secretary and top State House officials had blessed the and organised for elders presence.
Over 2,000 elders from Nyeri, Murang'a, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia and Nakuru attended the meeting. They all demanded that political leaders respect President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Chairman Wachira Kiago fired the opening salvo: “We love peace, but our silence should not be taken for granted. The community will not bow to intimidation and threats. This is the message we are sending today and we will be taking around the country.”
“The DP has been playing petty politics meant to undermine the President and divide Central Kenya, despite the Head of State telling politicians to stop early campaigns,” said Peter Munga as reported by the Standard.
But a defiant Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua has accused the elders of blackmail, arguing that President Uhuru Kenyatta had never publicly denounced Deputy President William Ruto.
“Then, who has sent these people? The President has not publicly told us to stop supporting his deputy. He has also not told us he is being disrespected. Who are they to complain on his behalf?” Posed Mr Gachagua.
“Also, the DP visits Central because people request his presence. I will stop supporting Ruto when Mathira people tell me to stop and they show me who to support. As for the handshake, we are just saying the new bridges being built should not destroy old ones,” the Mathira MP added.
Three weeks ago, powerful Interior Cabinet Secretary Karanja Kibicho is said to have been confronted by Deputy President William Ruto at JKIA. Insiders say that Ruto blames Kibicho of allegedly frustrating his country wide trips.