When I recall what former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth shared after a four-hour meeting with Kikuyu elders in Nyeri, on September 25, 2020. And I quote: “The invitation for the meeting was done by the elders,” and; “I don’t know who they will invite next. I did not come for a political reason but to join the wezee for this cultural prayers day.”
It comes in my mind, that elders were in open secret, deliberating on President Uhuru Kenyatta succession. And in that matter, settled on Peter Kenneth and Speaker Justin Muturi, and decided to invite them separately for informal interviews.
Well, in my take. The following Muturi’s strides might have informed the elders to bestow him as Mt Kenya spokesman.
First: The controversial security laws [Amendment Bill 2014], which he presided in stormy Parliament,where even brawls were exchanged. And the speed President Uhuru Kenyatta assented it, convinced elders he was dependable for the fight of community.
Secondly: He, himself [Muturi], faced the bull by it horns, when he temporary vacated his seat to allow he censor which he triumphed. That virtue of bravery resonate very well with traditional norms which elders holds in prestige for warriors. Also from these, elders assumed he can easily network whole country through legislators.
Lastly and not least, the elders are aware of Kenyans low reading culture hence poor in current affairs of knowing state’s officials. With Speaker vantage position. marketing him will need less effort.