And as 2022 beckons, reports have emerged of elders fighting over “gifts” they receive from politicians after paying courtesy calls or conducting rituals. Muturi's installation was led by National Council of Elders patron (retired) Captain Kung'u Muigai. Ndung'u Gaithuma, the chairman of Kiama Kia Ma —the cultural pillar of the Kikuyu Council of Elders, regretted that some elders were being influenced to make political endorsements. “Elders are believed to have influence and thus politicians will go to them for blessings and endorsements,” Orogo said. In October last year, the Kenya National Elders Council embarked on what they called a reconciliation drive of political bigwigs in the wake of rising political temperatures.

Source: The Star June 06, 2021 20:03 UTC