MERU, Kenya, Oct 14 — The Nchuri Ncheke Council of Elders has named Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi the Spokesperson of the Ameru succeeding Kiraitu Murungi.
Linturi was crowned at an event graced by Murungi at the historic Nchriru Shrines in Meru.
Speaking after the proclamation, Linturi who represented Meru County in the Senate, said he welcomed his new role with utmost humility.
“I also thank the the outgoing Njuri Ncheke spokesman, former Meru Governor Kiraitu for his leadership during his 40 year reign in office as Meru community spokesperson,” he said.
“I pledge to the Meru people of my commitment and dedication in my new role as their community spokesperson and I promise to serve with utmost diligence and integrity.”
Linturi pledged to support the development of the Nchiru Shrines in a bid to uplift its status.
“In honour of my elevation as the Meru community spokesman, I’ll drill a borehole at the holy Nchiru Shrines to assist the community in the area with supply of water for domestic use and agricultural activities.”
He promised to mobilize support for the celebration of Utamaduni Day, an annual national fete to celebrate cultrural diversity, at a cultural centre based at the shrine.
Speaking at the event, Murungi hailed Linturi as a results-oriented leader who is qualified to take over from him.
“I have trust and confidence in Linturi because I have worked with him for many years and he’s currently the best placed Meru community leader capable of taking over this role,” Kiraitu said.
The former Meru Governor who has also served as a Cabinet Minister during the Mwai Kibaki regime outlined his achievements as the spokesperson of the Meru community.
“For the last 40 years I have managed to elevate Meru region by lobbying for development projects like building of roads, schools, hospitals and electricity connections in our region,” he added.
During the ceremony, that was also attended by Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, the leaders also joined the Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders in planting trees at the historic shrine.
Tuya welcomed the Njuri Ncheke elders move to join environmental protection and conservation efforts and she promised to partner with the elders in planting more trees in line with President William Ruto’s campaign of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
