Hundreds of elders drawn from the Kikuyu, Meru and Embu communities have united in prayer at the controversial 58-acre Githunguri Shrine land in Kiambu County.
The elders marched for several kilometres to the disputed parcel, praying in their respective languages and thanking God for what they described as a breakthrough following consultations with the government over the ownership and use of the land.
Security agencies provided security along the route as elders were joined by youths and women in a show of unity.
The elders said the gathering marked the beginning of a renewed push for unity of purpose among communities from the Mount Kenya region.
Speaking during the prayers, Kikuyu Council of Elders National Chairman Wachira Wakiago and Kiama Kia Ma National Chairman Ndung’u wa Gaithuma thanked the elders for turning up to give thanks to Mwene Nyaga.
They also commended the government over what they said was the decision to revert the land to the elders for the establishment of a shrine.
The two elders condemned those they accused of being behind the grabbing of the land, but said they had forgiven them and were welcome to join the community in pursuing a common goal of unity.
Former Kamukunji Member of Parliament Norman Nyagah said the gathering was a clear indication of growing unity among the Mount Kenya communities.
Nyagah said the unity was only the beginning, insisting that the region would remain united and speak with one voice.
He dismissed calls by some leaders for the division of the Mount Kenya region into East and West, saying such efforts would not break the community.
The youth also joined the elders, saying they were ready to work with them and benefit from their guidance and experience.
The young people further condemned the sale of illicit brews in the region, warning that they would resist those involved in what they described as a trade that is destroying the younger generation.
