The Ameru Njuri Ncheke Council of elders has committed to supporting President William Ruto’s government in achieving its development agenda.
Addressing journalists in Meru town, the elders led by the Council National Chairman Linus Katheera said that the President requires the support of every Kenyan if he was to take the country to the next level of development.
Mr Katheera added that the council has been a political since time immemorial and that it always supports the government of the day.
“Just like we supported immediate former President Uhuru Kenyatta, we will do the same to Ruto since our main objective as a council is to see our country moving forward in terms of development,” said Mr Katheera.
The elders also congratulated Ruto on his election as the fifth President and the patience he portrayed even as his win was challenged at the Supreme Court.
“We also wish to pass our gratitude to our institutions including the Independent and Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Supreme Court for playing out their roles in the right manner when their services and decisions were needed the most,” said Mr Katheera.
The elders also thanked the President for committing to ensure there was a strong opposition that will be keeping the government in check for the proper performance of its mandates and for the sake of democracy.
“For any government to perform its mandates as required there must be a strong opposition and we thank President Ruto for assuring Kenyans that he will not interfere with the opposition as they play their mandate, said Mr Katheera.
Mr Josphat Murangiri, the Council Secretary General congratulated Kenyans for holding a peaceful election that set an example to the rest of the African countries and the world at large.
He called on the President to consider including Meru people in his government for supporting him immensely in the August 9 general elections.
“Meru people stood behind President Ruto despite all the challenges we were facing and we, therefore, request a reciprocal of this through the appointment of leaders from Meru to serve in various government positions,” said Mr Murnagiri.
He pointed out leaders like former Meru Senators Mithika Linturi (Meru), Professor Kithure Kindiki (Tharaka Nithi), Halima Mucheke (former nominated MP) who he said should be rewarded for their immense support and sacrifice in support of the President.
He also said that the elders should also be factored in in the government of the day owing to their resourcefulness.
“Elders usually have a wealth of experience that can help run various institutions. We want to assure the president that we will always be ready and open for consultation in every aspect so that we can realise the dreams of our forefathers in terms of the development of our country,” said Mr Murangiri.
He appealed to the President to be a father figure to all Kenyans including those who did not support him for the sake of the country’s unity.