The much publicized coronation of National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi as a GEMA leader might set a different trajectory in the Mt Kenya politics. Gikuyu Embu Meru Association (GEMA) was formed in the late 70s’.
The three tribes coalesced under GEMA, a group considered to be closely interrelated culturally and linguistically but have no common past or folklores. GEMA was legally registered by former Attorney General Charles Njonjo under the instructions of first president of Kenya Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
However, Njonjo later on turned against the group and in 1976 charged some of its members such as Njenga Karume, Kihika Kimani, Njoroge Mungai and Jackson Angaine. GEMA attempted to block Daniel Arap Moi from succeeding Kenyatta.
History is set to repeat itself, as GEMA revives its political clout with the coronation of Speaker Muturi. High profile source confide that Muturi is best suited to block Ruto from the region.
The Mountain is not keen to let off the power and because kikuyus have produced two presidents in a row, the other GEMA affiliates have a chance.
The Speaker is the third ranked government officer in the national pecking order. Mt Kenya power brokers are out to seal the looming vacuum in the region that will be occasioned with the retirement of President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.
Muturi’s coronation occurred at a time when Deputy President William Ruto had made serious political forays in Mt Kenya region. Uhuru’s confidantes are wary of Ruto’s rising popularity in Central, Kenya and there are top level plans to bar him.
Media reports indicate the Uhuru was irked by the results of the recent by-election in which Jubilee lost. Jubilee Vice Chairman David Murathe confided that the loss was attributed to BBI, which seems to be unpopular in Central region but Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju linked the loss to voter apathy that characterizes many by-elections.
Muturi’s Coronation
The coronation of Speaker Muturi as GEMA elder occurred at Mukurwe Wa Nyagathanga in Murang’a County on May 22, 2021. The occasion was under tight security as there were earlier warnings from Murang’a governor Mwangi Wa Iria, who threatened to block their access of the mystical ground.
Muturi was subjected to a 10-day cleansing exercise ahead of the coronation. A few elders were tasked with ensuring that he follows all the prerequisite procedures.
According to a section of leaders in knowledge with the event, Muturi will be their de facto Kingpin after Uhuru’s retirement next year.
Will Muturi reverse the political gains made by Ruto?
Speaker Justin Muturi might be Uhuru’s secret card. It is most probable that Muturi would contest for presidency in 2022. His coronation received resistance from a section of leaders led by Murang’a governor Mwangi Wa Iria and his Kirinyaga counterpart Ann Waiguru.
But he received a big boost when governors Kiraitu Murungi (Meru), Martin Wambora (Embu), and Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi) approved his endorsement. The Mt Kenya East claim that they have supported Central region for long and it was time for their return of favor.
Muturi might be a game changer in the 2022 succession matrix. As Raila’s presidential fortunes dwindle, there will be a paradigm shift that will bring new players onboard. The Speaker has a remarkable political reputation.
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