Limuru III Conference: Karua’s Strategy to Reclaim Influence in Mt Kenya
In early March, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni announced the Limuru III conference would take place to address Mt Kenya region’s issues.
The two leaders said the conference would gather over 10 political parties from the Mt Kenya region to discuss their shared challenges.
Originally scheduled for April 19, the conference date was shifted to May 17, 2024, and preparations are underway.
Karua and Kioni, along with other leaders, have been holding strategy meetings ahead of May 17.
They assert that the Mt Kenya region has faced a crisis for the past two years and requires a resolution.
Karua emphasized the Limuru meeting would offer a platform to address various socio-political issues affecting the community, stressing the constitutional right of individuals with shared interests to assemble.
“The Constitution allows people with common interests to unite. We are similar to other communities and should come together to discuss our future,” she said in March.
They have called for unity as they navigate this new path.
“I want to encourage everyone to meet at Limuru III on May 17 to discuss matters concerning the Mt Kenya region. Let’s identify the issues and work to unite our community,” Karua said in a video urging residents to attend.
Nevertheless, some government-aligned leaders oppose the conference, claiming it promotes tribalism.
National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah said on Sunday that such meetings are outdated and have no place in Kenya’s future.
He maintained that the politics of ethnicity and personalities ended with the 2022 elections.
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“Limuru III discussions belong to the past. Ethnic divisiveness should have no role in our nation’s future. Let’s end divisive ethnic politics and build a united, inclusive country,” Ichung’wah said.
In a March interview, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said he had not received an invitation to the meeting.
“I’ve heard about the Limuru 3 meeting. Neither Kioni nor Karua has approached me as the highest-ranking politician in the Mount Kenya region,” Gachagua stated.
“As the regional leader, it’s my responsibility to organize such meetings. If they have an agenda, my office is open, and they should feel free to contact me.”
The Limuru III conference is thought to be Karua’s strategy to regain influence in the Mt Kenya region.
The first Limuru meeting was held in March 1966.
It was initiated by founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta to limit the impact of radicals within Kanu, led by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
The most recent Limuru II conference took place in March 2012, involving leaders from the Gikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities.
From that gathering, former President Uhuru Kenyatta was chosen to succeed former President Mwai Kibaki (deceased) as the region’s leader.
Limuru III Conference: Karua’s Strategy to Reclaim Influence in Mt Kenya