New GEMA Bloc Emerges as Kamba Community Joins Amid Ethnic Division Concerns.
The Kikuyu Council of Elders has officially integrated the Kamba community into the larger Gikuyu, Embu, Meru Association (GEMA).
This significant political move follows months of advocacy led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The announcement was made during a Wednesday event at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi. Although both leaders were absent, their allies confirmed the move had their blessings.
The meeting, marked by political undertones, occurred shortly after President William Ruto, while in Kisumu, urged leaders to avoid ethnic balkanisation.
Gachagua and Musyoka had previously expressed intentions to form a stronger voting bloc by uniting their communities ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Kikuyu Council Elders Chairman Wachira Kiago emphasized the importance of reuniting with the Kamba community, describing it as reconnecting with family after a long separation.
He highlighted the need to safeguard the GEMA bloc’s unity and strength, urging members to register and solidify their position. He also cautioned against allowing adversaries to sow discord, calling for vigilance and cohesion among the communities.
Political Context of GEMA
The GEMA bloc has long been controversial, with critics accusing it of stoking ethnic sentiments for electoral purposes. When President Daniel Moi assumed office in 1978, one of his first acts was to neutralize GEMA’s influence by banning tribal organizations, halting the activities of the Mt. Kenya ethnic bloc.
During his Kisumu visit, President Ruto criticized leaders who use ethnic identities as a political tool. He urged leaders to embrace issue-based politics, focusing on solutions rather than tribal divisions. He assured Kenyans that his administration was committed to uniting the nation.
Supporters of the new bloc defended the decision, citing the need for unity among neighboring communities. Kamba Clan Governing Council’s Davis Githuka noted that efforts to integrate the Kamba into GEMA began in 2016.
He described the renewed unity as a strengthened commitment to overcome challenges together. Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru supported the initiative, arguing that tribal strength could be used positively for mobilization.
Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni welcomed the integration, suggesting that GEMA should extend outreach to other communities such as the Kisii, Luhya, and Mijikenda. He viewed the move as a strategy to strengthen the bloc ahead of the next elections.
Political Implications for Kalonzo Musyoka
The integration is a political boost for Kalonzo Musyoka, who has been making significant inroads in the Mt. Kenya region. His ally, Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, confirmed Musyoka’s support for the move, stating that strong communities are essential for national cohesion.
Ameru Secretary General Josephat Murigira explained that the decision aimed to unite the communities for collective decision-making and numerical strength in elections. He dismissed claims of political motives, emphasizing the focus on unity and shared vision.
GEMA founders’ chairman George Muhoho argued that, like other communities, GEMA is free to consolidate its interests. He cited examples of unity among the Kalenjin and Luhya communities, stressing that a unified bloc is crucial for building a strong nation. He clarified that the integration was not meant to oppose anyone but to foster national unity.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua celebrated the event as a turning point in Kenya’s socioeconomic and political landscape. He declared the Kamba community’s admission into GEMA as a formal recognition of their inclusion in Mount Kenya’s decision-making processes, signifying a historic shift in the region’s dynamics.
New GEMA Bloc Emerges as Kamba Community Joins Amid Ethnic Division Concerns
