A long-running leadership dispute that split the Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders into two rival factions has been resolved after the elders signed a reconciliation accord and agreed on an 18-month transition to reunite the revered Ameru institution.
The elders have been holding four days of high-level negotiations at the Meru Governor's office between July 20 and July 23, 2026, led by Governor Rev Mutuma M'Ethingia with the support of Senator Kathuri Murungi, Meru County Assembly Speaker Ayub Bundi, former Governor Kiraitu Murungi and other senior elders.
Njuri Secretary General Josphat Murangiri said the council had ceased to have rival factions and pledged a smooth transition of leadership.
"We affirm that unity is paramount. There are no factions in Njuri. We shall serve as emeritus elders and continue advising the incoming leadership for the benefit of the council," Murangiri said, while wishing Governor Mutuma, Kiraitu and Kathuri broker peace as Njuri Ncheke ends leadership crisis Linus Kathera a quick recovery as he remains on bed rest.
Incoming chairman Adriano Aruyaru thanked the leaders who facilitated the talks and pledged to use the transition period to entrench unity, accountability and effective leadership.
"Njuri is now one from Thuci to Ntonyiri. We shall work together to strengthen the council and support both the county and national governments," Aruyaru said.
Under the agreement, Kathera is to relinquish leadership to Aruyaru as chair, ending years of rivalry that had weakened the respected council and undermined the unity and development of the Ameru community.
Reading the joint resolution, former Governor Kiraitu Murungi said the elders had resolved to preserve the Njuri Ncheke as "one, united and indivisible forever" in line with the customs established by its founder, Kaura O Bechau.
"The leadership squabbles had undermined the council and retarded the development of Ameru from Thuci to Ntonyiri. We have agreed to restore peace and unity through a peaceful transition," Kiraitu said.
The accord establishes a 13-member Transition Authority, co-chaired by Kathera and Aruyaru with immediate effect, to oversee all affairs of the council for the next 18 months.
The committee will make decisions by consensus and convene a special general meeting of all Njuri members at the council's headquarters in Nchiru within 60 days to brief them on the agreement.
The council also resolved to support both President William Ruto's national administration and Governor Mutuma's county government.
Governor Mutuma described the reconciliation as a historic moment for the Ameru community, saying the unity of the traditional institution would strengthen the community's voice on development matters.
"The Njuri Ncheke are custodians of our culture, customs, environment and the welfare of vulnerable members of society. Their unity gives our community a stronger bargaining power and a united voice in demanding development," Mutuma said.
The governor expressed confidence that the reconciliation would pave the way for the Judiciary to formally recognise Njuri's traditional mediation role in resolving land disputes and other minor conflicts, helping reduce the backlog of court cases.
Senator Kathuri Murungi said the reunification completed efforts to unite Meru's political leadership after Governor Mutuma had already brought together elected leaders across the county.
"Meru belongs to all of us and must speak with one voice. I had not joined any faction, but every side wanted my support. Today I am happy that the last remaining division has been resolved," Kathuri said.
Speaker Bundi credited the reconciliation to the willingness of both factions to embrace dialogue, saying a united Njuri Ncheke would help the community pursue development from a common position.
"We had succeeded in uniting the governor, senator, MPs and MCAs, but the council remained divided. Today that chapter has closed. Speaking with one voice will enable Meru to achieve more development," Bundi said.
