Newly-installed Mt Kenya Regional Chief Seer Munyori Muhuri has pledged to champion unity among the people and leaders of the region and urged them to speak with one voice in pursuit of shared interests and development.

Chief seer is a traditional role that recognises a lead cultural and spiritual figure within the community, tasked with offering guidance, mediating differences and providing direction on matters affecting the community such as unity, values and collective identity.

Munyori said the region’s strength lies in cohesion and collective leadership and noted that the absence of a unifying voice has in the past left the community vulnerable to division and exploitation.

Speaking during his installation ceremony held at his home in Kiambu, which brought together community leaders, elders and religious leaders, the chief seer said his leadership would focus on bringing the different factions of the community to restore a sense of common purpose across the region.

“I am introducing a new approach to community leadership because our people have lacked a clear guiding voice,” Munyori pledged.

“For the region to remain united, there must be leadership that can guide, mediate and protect collective interest,” he observed.

He emphasised that his role is not meant to undermine existing Agikuyu elders and leaders, but to complement them by offering guidance and coordinating efforts, aimed at strengthening regional cohesion.

“I have nothing against Kiama-kia-Ma elders, distinguished leaders or groups from Mt Kenya. My responsibility is to bring everyone together, so that the region can speak with one voice and harness its collective strength,” he explained.

Munyori cautioned against emerging efforts to divide the Mt Kenya region along county lines, warning that such fragmentation could weaken the community’s influence and undermine its long-term interests.

With the 2027 General Election approaching, he said, unity will ensure the region remains relevant and influential in national decision-making.

“The greatest danger we face as a community is allowing ourselves to be divided by a few individuals pursuing selfish interests,” he said.

The chief seer further stated that while he supports the government of the day, he would not shy away from speaking out on issues that threaten integrity, equality or the welfare of the people.

“Where correction is needed, we will speak firmly and responsibly to safeguard the interests of the community,” he noted.

The new chief seer also promised to address various emerging societal issues such as alcoholism among the young people and single parent households.

Meanwhile, National Organising Secretary of the Kiama-Kia-Ma Council of elders Lee Muchiri, pronounced Munyori’s installation as a significant step toward unifying the community.

“You have been entrusted with the responsibility of being the voice of the community, and we expect you to carry-out this duty with diligence, integrity and a commitment to unity,” he said.

Muchiri said the cultural organization, which has a membership of over three million people, fully supports Munyori’s installation and leadership role.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Purity Mugo