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Karume denies political ambitions in 2012
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Former Defence minister Njenga Karume
Former Defence minister Njenga Karume has declared that he has no interest in any political seat in next year’s General Election.
Mr Karume said he was only interested in “uniting Kenyans” even as he was being installed as the chairman of the Kikuyu Council of Elders and patron of the Gikuyu, Embu, Meru and Mbeere (Gema) on Saturday.
The former minister was speaking yesterday during his crowning ceremony at the Mukurwe-wa-Nyagathanga in Murang’a.
“People should stop spreading rumours that I am interested in any seat. Those making such remarks should know that I am only interested in uniting my community and all Kenyans,” he said.
A section of elders and political leaders especially from Murang’a had earlier expressed fears that Mr Karume’s coronation ceremony was aimed at giving him political mileage.
The elders from Murang’a had also opposed the event, saying it would desecrate the site.
“I do not want to become the king of the Agikuyu but a leader because every community must be directed by one person,” he told the over 5,000 elders and other local people who had gathered at the shrine.
Mr Karume said he had only agreed to take up the Gema leadership after the elders approached him to do so.
The former minister said his installation was purely aimed at promoting the Agikuyu culture and uniting the Gema peoples.
The former Kiambaa MP also said he had no favourites among politicians seeking elective posts in 2012.
Not tribal outfit
“It is my constitutional right to support whoever I want and today’s crowning does not mean that I support any aspirant,” he said.
Bishop Lawi Imathiu, the Gema chairman, defended his association saying it was not tribal but was meant to promote the cultural welfare of the the members.
“Culture is what defines an individual, a community and a nation, and these facts have been recognised by our Constitution.
“I strongly believe if we have strong communities with strong cultures, then we are going to have a strong and peaceful country,” Bishop Imathiu said.
