The Ameru Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders has ended a 14-year leadership dispute after rival factions signed a historic transition accord aimed at restoring unity, strengthening the revered cultural institution and advancing the socio-economic development of the Ameru community.
The agreement was reached during a four-day high-level consultative meeting held from July 20 to 23, where elders resolved to end years of internal divisions that they said had weakened the council’s ability to effectively champion the interests of the Ameru people and safeguard their cultural heritage.
Reading the resolutions, former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, who is also an elder of the council, announced that members had unanimously resolved that the Ameru Njuri Ncheke would remain one united institution and, during the transition period, would be governed by a 13-member Transition Authority.
Kiraitu said the authority would oversee the affairs of the council and facilitate a peaceful leadership transition within the next 18 months while ensuring that the institution remains united and focused on serving the Ameru community.
“The council shall remain above all partisan political interests and will continue serving as the custodian of the traditions, values and interests of the Ameru community,” said Kiraitu.
He said the transition arrangement takes effect immediately and will be jointly led by outgoing chairman Linus Katheera and incoming chairman Adriano Aruyaru, who will provide joint leadership throughout the transition period.
According to the resolutions, the Transition Authority will manage the affairs of the council through consensus and convene an Annual General Meeting within 60 days to brief members on the agreement, receive their views and deliberate on issues affecting both the council and the wider Ameru community.
The authority was also mandated to oversee the implementation of the transition accord, address any emerging issues during the transition period and continue working closely with both the National and County Governments to advance development initiatives that benefit the Ameru community.
The elders observed that prolonged leadership wrangles had undermined the unity of the council and slowed development efforts across the Ameru region stretching from Thuci to Ntonyiri, making reconciliation necessary to restore public confidence in the institution.
They expressed optimism that the accord would strengthen the council’s capacity to provide guidance on cultural matters, promote peaceful coexistence and support community-driven development initiatives.
The elders also thanked Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma for facilitating the reconciliation process and acknowledged the contribution of Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, Meru County Assembly Speaker Ayub Bundi, Samuel Murugu Mugwika and Josphat Mugambi for supporting the unity initiative.
Outgoing Secretary General Josphat Murangiri said the council should never again be divided by leadership disputes, noting that unity was essential for preserving the institution’s credibility and influence.
“Njuri is a revered institution and should not be marred by squabbles. Within 60 days we shall begin the journey of transitioning leadership to the younger generation because we cannot remain in office forever,” he said.
Incoming chairman Adriano Aruyaru thanked all those who participated in reconciling the rival factions, saying the agreement marked the beginning of a new chapter for the council.
“We thank God and everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure the unity of the Ameru Njuri Ncheke prevails. We have put our differences behind us and agreed to move forward together. From today, only the 13-member Transition Authority will speak on behalf of the council,” he said.
Meru County Assembly Speaker Ayub Bundi described the accord as a major victory for the entire Ameru community, saying a united Njuri Ncheke would strengthen the community’s collective voice in advocating for development and preserving its cultural identity.
Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi termed the agreement historic, saying it brought to an end division that had persisted within the council for more than a decade.
“Today we are making history. We have learnt that where there is unity, good things happen. Meru is not about political leaders alone but about the entire community moving together,” he said while commending Governor Mutuma for spearheading the reconciliation process.
Governor Isaac Mutuma said the unity achieved by the council would strengthen the community’s voice in championing development and preserving the Ameru cultural heritage.
“Our elders remain an important pillar of our community. By coming together, they have demonstrated that the interests of the Ameru people come first. This is not a victory for one faction but for the entire Meru community,” he said.
The governor added that a united Njuri Ncheke would be better placed to engage both the National and County Governments in advocating for development and called on the Chief Justice to consider empowering the council to assist in resolving simple community disputes through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
By Dickson Mwiti
