Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders led by Igembe shrine faction has publicly disowned the current National Chairman Linus Kathera and Secretary General Josphat Murangiri claiming the term of the duo expired.
They alleged that the leadership of the two is no longer legitimate since they are clinging to power through backdoors.
Led by Igembe Central Chairman Ramu Kathata, along with various sub-county shrine leaders, the elders have accused Kathera and Murangiri of clinging to power despite having completed their tenure, which elapsed two years ago according to the Njuricheke cultural norms.
In a strongly worded statement, they described the duo as “cursed and outcasts” alleging that they have outlived their usefulness and continue to hold office against the wishes of the council.
The elders convened at the historic Thitha Mwithu Muraja Shrine in Athiru Rujine, Igembe Central, where they held a declaration meeting to voice their dissatisfaction.
During this gathering, they threw their full support behind Andriano Aruyaru from Tigania as the preferred candidate for the National Njuri Ncheke chairmanship.
The elders endorsed Aruyaru from Tigania and described him as one who embodies the values of humility, service, and integrity qualities they claim are lacking in the current leadership.
“We believe Andriano Aruyaru is a true servant leader with no selfish interest, unlike Linus Kathera, who has been obtaining benefits under false pretenses in the name of representing Njuri Ncheke,” said one elder during the address.
The declaration marks a significant power shift within the Njuri Ncheke, a traditional council known for its influential role in cultural governance, conflict resolution, and community leadership across the Meru region.
The elders emphasized the need to restore dignity, transparency, and generational renewal within the institution.
They also called upon other regions and elders within the broader Njuri Ncheke fraternity to unite in support of reform and transition in leadership, stating that the council’s legitimacy and public trust are at stake.
The meeting was concluded with prayers and traditional rituals to symbolically seal their decision and to seek blessings for the new leadership they wish to see installed.
