Kiambu County Senator Kimani Wamatangi. He has been hailed for fiercely defending President Uhuru Kenyatta. [Photo|the-star.co.ke]
Elders in Central Kenya are concerned that the current crop of leaders in the region has failed to stand up and be counted.
According to Dr Micheal Mugo, the national deputy chairman of Kikuyu Elders' Council named 'Kiama Kia Ma', the current leaders do not command respect and authority, not only in the national politics but also in the region.
Speaking to the Nation, Mugo, formerly of Laikipia University, said the situation has left President Uhuru Kenyatta as a general without foot soldiers as elected leaders in his backyard cannot be relied upon to stand up and defend him.
"Many leaders are busy with their businesses and pursuing individual interests, such that the President has been forced to depend on vocal leaders from other regions mostly from the Rift Valley or do it by himself," he said.
The university don noted that during the tenure of retired President Mwai Kibaki, politicians like Martha Karua, the late John Michuki, Njenga Karume and others were tough, authoritative and strong voices of the region and were respected by all.
He said the leaders, would quickly and often effectively defend Kibaki when his opponents fired attacks to the Head of State, something he said Uhuru's rule lacks.
"We need to rebuild our leadership to create such leaders in the region because at the moment, it is only Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu Senator), who stands up for the President," Mugo told the local daily.
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