Wa Iria wants shrine cleansed after Speaker Muturi’s coronation

Dorcas Mbatia and KNA

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria now claims Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga shrine needs cleansing, following the coronation of National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi, who was crowned spokesperson of GEMA communities.

Wa Iria, who downplayed the crowning of Muturi, said the shrine is not meant for coronating leaders but for traditional prayers.

Speaking shortly after the National Assembly Speaker was crowned, a section of elders from Kikuyu, Embu, Mbeere and Meru communities said the occasion turned political and the presence of police officers at the facility was an abuse to the shrine.

He said he received calls from elders; leaders and residents who wished to spearhead cleansing of the shrine.

“The coronation was a sham. No crowning occasion is done in a place believed to be sacred to the Agikuyu community. Even our political leaders were not crowned at the shrine,” stated Wa Iria.

Separately, the Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders have told off Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, who has been dismissive of Muturi’s anointing.

 “We are telling Munya to stop fighting Muturi, because we are the ones who have decided to settle on him because he is a leader and not a politician and this is what we have been looking for.  Munya cannot dictate to us what to do,” said Njuri Ncheke General Secretary Josephat Murangiri.

He made the remarks after Munya  trashed the coronation, accusing the Speaker of using it to advance his own political interests.

“I have never heard of a seat called spokesperson, neither have I ever seen its office. So whatever went on in Murang’a is pure comedy,” said Munya.

Patron of Kikuyu Council of Elders Captain Kung’u Muigai said coronation of Muturi was not to make him president but a person who will speak on behalf of people of east and west of Mount Kenya.

The event received criticism, especially from political leaders from the central region, who termed it null and void.