Agikuyu elders break the infamous 1969 Oath, a boost for Raila’s presidency
2 min readAgikuyu elders break the infamous 1969 Oath that prohibited the community from voting in a president from outside the Mount Kenya region.
The Kiama Kia Ma and the Council of Elders proclaimed that the community was free to elect leaders from any region of the nation at a gathering held in Kiambaa on Sunday, July 17.
The late Mwai Kibaki had already disobeyed the pledge when he was elected, according to Kiama Kia Ma Chairperson Ngungu Gaithuma.
The Agikuyu elders also lifted an embargo that curtailed the level of interaction not only between the Agikuyu and other tribes but also between ‘major’ and smaller tribes in the region.
“Among the declarations was that the president would not go beyond River Chania. We have seen it go beyond and saw the consequences (positive and negative) but we are withdrawing that oath today,” Gaithuma stated.
The community was urged by the elders to avoid those who were using the oath to spread false information about presidential candidates, claiming that they were severing the community from the rest of Kenyans.
“The elders ask the Agikuyu to disregard all ill-intentioned persons, practices, policies, and politics designed to divide and deviate them from the common good,” stated the elders.
Raila Odinga has borne the brunt of the criticism as he has constantly been associated with the region’s proclamation for nearly four decades.
A number of Mount Kenyan politicians have admitted to purposefully portraying Raila as bad as they were led to believe he wasn’t qualified to rule the nation.
However, following the handshake and Uhuru’s subsequent endorsement, politicians from the region have set out on a campaign to undo the damage and campaign for his presidency.
Also read,
Raila and Ruto planning mega rallies in Nairobi on the final day of campaigns
Bahati declines Raila’s offer during a political tour of Nairobi County
Battle for parliament majority seats; Ruto’s UDA party leads in candidates for elective seats
Raila loses cool as he tries to separate Alai and Sifuna after clashing at Nairobi Rally (VIDEO)
Raila allays fear of losing majority seats in parliament rendering him lame duck president
Follow us
