Njuri Ncheke elders threaten to curse Muthaura

A group of Njuri Ncheke elders who boycotted a meeting meant to unite the two warring factions of the council have threatened to disown Francis Muthaura as the elders' patron.

Led by Chairman Paul M' Ithinkia and the Secretary-General Phares Rutere, the elders accused Mr Muthaura of failing to unite the two factions, pointing out that he had been manipulated by a section of Meru leaders.

Speaking at Three Steers hotel in Meru town on Wednesday, the elders demanded that he seek forgiveness for aligning himself to some political leaders.

“The patron has recruited people from other communities to the Njuri Ncheke, which is purely a Meru community affair,” Mr M'Ethinkia said.

He added that Mr Muthaura has allowed political activities to dominate the council though he had warned members that Njuri Ncheke is a non-political organization.

He added that Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi and Mr Muthaura risk being cursed for disrespecting Njuri Ncheke god fathers.

THARAKA 'SIDELINED'

They also accused Senator Kiraitu of sidelining the Tharaka community from the larger Meru.

This comes a few days after Mr Muthaura organized a meeting of all members of the council to help in uniting them.

During the meeting attended by more than 5,000 elders at the Nchiru Shrine, the elders entered an accord on the leadership structure, term of leadership, leadership code and financial management.

The meeting was attended by Mr Murungi, Tharaka-Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa, defence PS Kirimi Kaberia, Mr Linturi, Joseph M’Eruaki (MP, Igembe North), Meru Speaker Joseph Kaberia, several MCAs and professionals.

In the meeting, incumbent leaders were given the council’s new constitution, with Mr Muthaura saying the document was a result of a four-year negotiation process that will culminate in the inauguration of leaders after three months.

The faction vowed never to associate with the other group until the patron is ready to engage them.