Gachagua, Kalonzo new Gema amid ethnic balkanisation warning
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka (left) and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Kikuyu Council of Elders has integrated the Kamba into the larger Gikuyu, Embu, Meru Association (Gema). This comes as a major political move following months of the push by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The declaration to formally integrate the Kamba community was made on Wednesday at an event held at the All Saint Cathedral in Nairobi. Both Mr Musyoka and Mr Gachagua were absent at the meeting, but their allies said they had their blessings.
The meeting, which had a heavy political undertone following the acrimonious impeachment of Mr Gachagua, came barely a day after President William Ruto while in Kisumu warned leaders against ethnic balkanisation. Mr Gachagua and Mr Musyoka have in the past indicated their intention to have a stronger voting bloc by bringing their communities together ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“It has been far too long since we last connected with our brothers from Kamba. There is nothing more valuable than reuniting with family after such a long time. Our home is defined by the elders, and we must safeguard it. Taking care of our home is paramount, and registering to ensure its strength and continuity,” said Mr Wachira Kiago, chairman Kikuyu Council Elders.
“We must remain vigilant and united, never allowing our adversaries to sow discord or weaken the foundation of our house,” he added.
The Gema has for years remained a controversial entity, with critics seeing it as designed mainly to whip ethnic emotions for purposes of elections.
Neutralise Gema
When President Daniel Moi assumed office in 1978, one of his first major acts of power consolidation moves was to neutralise then powerful Gema.
He declared a ban on all tribal organisations, in the stroke of a pen, halting the political activities of the influential Mt Kenya ethnic bloc led by wealthy businessman-politician Njenga Karume.
While in Kisumu on Tuesday, Dr Ruto appeared to launch an attack against leaders who are still using their ethnic communities as a basis for running for political offices. He said leaders have to graduate to issue-based politics by telling people what solutions they are offering, instead of whipping ethnic emotions.
“Those who are only interested in dividing Kenyans along tribal lines and spreading hatred should go home. My government has no business with those who worship tribalism, hatred, and division. I assure you, under the love of God, we will unite this country into one,” said Dr Ruto.
But those in support of the new bloc said their decision was informed by the need to have neighbouring communities stay united. Some also said that Kenya has largely remained tribal, thus people should not have issues when certain communities come together for a common agenda.
Kamba Clan Governing Council Davis Githuka said the push to integrate Kamba started way back in 2016.
“Recently, we met and made a common resolve of forging a pact to stand together through every challenge. From that moment, we pledged to hold each other up, no matter the odds. Today, we renew that bond — stronger, united, and committed to walking this path together until the very end,” said Mr Githuka.
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru in an X post following the meeting said: “We are a tribal nation, and we shall positively use our tribalism, we shall positively use our tribal strength to positively mobilise ourselves, all tribes must meet and resolve to work together to remove Zakayo from State House.” He was responding to criticism that such associations have the potential of dividing the country along ethnic lines.
Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni also welcomed the decision to have the Kamba community join Gema, saying it would strengthen the bloc in the run-up to the next poll.
“That means we are growing and we are happy if they have been able to make that decision and should reach out to others,” Mr Kioni told Nation.Africa.
Major boost
He went on: “They should reach out to Kisii, go to Luhya land, Mijikenda, Taita and everybody else.”
The integration of the Kamba community is a major boost for Mr Musyoka, who has been making major political forays in the populous Mt Kenya region, with hopes of exploiting the current perceived disaffection against Dr Ruto in the region.
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, a close ally of Mr Musyoka, said although the former Vice President was absent, the meeting had his full blessings.
“We are strongly behind this move. I can tell you that he (Kalonzo) is deeply involved. We need strong communities to ensure a more cohesive country,” said Mr Mwangangi.
During the event, Ameru Secretary General Josephat Murigira said the decision was to ensure the communities make decisions as a bloc as well as enjoy numerical strength that is key in elections.
“Some may ask, “Why now?” But the answer is clear—this is the moment. The Gema block is our home, a united community beyond tribal lines. Right now, it’s not about tribes; it’s about Gema standing as one. Let it be known—we are not here for politics,” said Mr Murigira.
“We made the mistake of letting others divide us, but today, we reclaim our togetherness. This is the time to unite, armed with education, professionalism, and a shared vision for our future,” he added.
Strong bloc
Mr George Muhoho, chairman of founders of the second phase of Gema, said just like other communities, they are also free to come together and pursue their interests as a bloc. He said their coming together is not targeting any individual politically.
‘We've seen how the Kalenjin came together to form a strong bloc, how the Luhyas, once scattered, unified into a powerful force. A house is easier to build with solid blocks. History taught us how colonisers divided us, but now, as we stand united and form one bloc, we can rebuild our nation stronger than ever. Let it be clear—we are not uniting to oppose anyone but to bring our country together.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua described the event as one with the backing of all well-meaning leaders.
"The Kamba community has formally been admitted into Gema. We are now part of the mountain in all major decisions. The Ukambani counties of Kitui, Makueni and Machakos now constitute the Mount Kenya South region. This is a turning point in the socioeconomic and political consciousness of Kenya as we know it," said Senator Wambua.
