Time for elders to eat: How elders' blessings became political currency

With just about two years to the General Election, Kenya’s political engine is already revving. Across the country, alliances are shifting, loyalties are being tested, and politicians are seeking fresh mandates. Yet, behind the usual political realignments, another quiet contest is unfolding, one that draws its strength not from party offices, but from shrines and homesteads where elders hold sway.

Elders, once revered solely as custodians of culture and wisdom, have become some of the most sought-after figures in politics. Many elders are now perceived as kingmakers; their blessings are now prized endorsements, perceived as symbolic coronations that can anoint leaders and sway entire communities.

As the campaign season takes shape, the influence of these traditional gatekeepers has grown. What was once a sacred ritual of blessing now resembles a high-stakes marketplace of political fortune.

In most of the affairs of these elders, their coronation process is full of traditional activities where rituals are done, the place is considered sacred and mystic powers are involved in evoking the elders’ power and influence.

But behind the scenes, what was once a sacred rite of blessing has begun to resemble a high-stakes political market.

Whispers of cash handouts, promises of favours, and staged ceremonies have crept into what were once hallowed gatherings.

Recently, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was endorsed by a faction of the Western Kenya Council of Elders (Vihiga Chapter), led by Christopher Govedi, as the Luhya spokesperson. The ceremony, staged in Sabatia, the home turf of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, was awash with cultural pomp and traditional regalia, marking what appeared to be a pivotal moment in Western Kenya’s political succession.

“We believe Governor Natembeya is best placed to unite our people and speak for the Western region,” said Rev Govedi, urging leaders to rally behind the first-term governor.

Within 24 hours, however, a rival faction dismissed the endorsement, branding the Vihiga elders “impostors” and reaffirming support for Mudavadi, whom they recognised as the legitimate Luhya spokesman, a position he was ceremonially granted in 2016.

During a subsequent visit to Nabongo Mumia Cultural Centre in Kakamega County, where he had gone to seek the blessings of King Nabongo Mumia II and Wanga elders, Natembeya took a swipe at elders opposing his coronation, accusing them of betrayal and political compromise.

Contradictions

“I was endorsed by elders and blessed to unite this region, but I have seen others denouncing that blessing. Let them continue eating the small money they are being given because they are cowards,” Natembeya said. “The important thing is that the hands that blessed me are enough, and they are working.”

Traditionally, elders are revered figures, men believed to possess mystical authority to bless or curse, and to guide communities with impartial wisdom. Yet, the recent contradictions have exposed a growing rift not only among political leaders but within the councils of elders themselves.

In 2016, Mudavadi was crowned Luhya spokesperson at Bukhungu Stadium in a ceremony organised by Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli.

Mudavadi had emerged as the most popular person in Western by 39 per cent, beating then Bungoma Senator and now National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Cyrus Jirongo Jirongo, Wycliffe Oparanya, who was the Kakamega Governor and Kenneth Marende in an opinion poll conducted by the Department of Political Science, Public Administration and Economic studies at the University of Nairobi.

Wetang’ula and Oparanya tied at 30 per cent while the remaining candidates garnered 1 per cent, according to the pollster.

“I accept this honour with humility and commitment. The task ahead is a tough one, but I am ready to be your servant,” Mudavadi said in his acceptance speech.

Elders, led by Western region Elders Council chairman Philip Masinde, handed over a three-legged traditional stool to Mudavadi, which he (Mudavadi) sat on before he was officially crowned as the spokesperson.

Mudavadi donned a traditional regalia made of a special wild animal skin and was given a spear and a fly whisk, all symbolising he was the anointed point man of Western people.

Mr Atwoli, who was the convener of the meeting, read out the “Bukhungu Declaration” affirming that anyone from outside Western with the intention of wooing local communities must go through Mudavadi.

Wetang’ula would later claim that the government had a hand in the naming of Musalia Mudavadi as the Luhya spokesman. He claimed the State helped fund the event.

In 2021, during the famous Bukhungu II, Oparanya was named a new spokesperson for the Luhya community, a role that had been given to Mudavadi in 2016 during the Bukhungu I.

The Western region elders stripped Mudavadi of the role, urging Oparanya to steer the interests of the community in the then Azimio La Umoja Coalition, where the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was endorsed by the same elders as their presidential candidate ahead of the 2022 general election.

Instruments

Now, as the 2027 election nears, the business of political anointing is booming again. Across regions, elders are back in demand, their blessings courted and their loyalties tested, often at a price. As the alleged money factor emerges, the same elders split and install more than one leader.

In the Rift Valley, the Talai elders of the Kalenjin community remain among the most powerful. Three years ago, they anointed then Baringo Senator and KANU Chairman Gideon Moi to run for President.

During the coronation, the elders anointed Moi by pouring oil on his hands and feet, dressed him in a traditional headgear made of lion’s skin, before slaughtering a white ram.

The elders also handed him special instruments of power after they sprinkled them with honey and milk to bless them.

Towards the end of 2022, a section of the Kikuyu Council of Elders endorsed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to succeed former President Uhuru Kenyatta as Central Kenya's political kingpin.

The group also urged the retired Head of State to pass over the instrument of powers to Gachagua, who was by then the Deputy President, to be the region’s spokesperson to steer the agenda of the community.

The instruments of power were handed over to Uhuru in 2012 in the run-up to the 2013 general election at Bomas of Kenya.

The instruments of power include a traditional mace, knife, sword, traditional garment, seat and hat, bag, whisk, sandals, needle and tweezers.

In 2024, Njuri Ncheke elders from Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties officially endorsed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as their pointman in the Mt Kenya East region.

“Today we endorse him as our kingpin, spokesman and the link between us, Mt Kenya East and the President. He will be the one we will be sending.  Njuri Ncheke ikisema imesema na hakuna mwengine wa kwenda tofauti na vile tumesema,” they declared.

In the Luo community, the Luo Council of Elders has been the pinnacle of hope and sanity in the community, where they were respected by the people in giving a political direction and solving feuds between opposing groups.

However, the leaders have been entangled in a leadership wrangle with one group backing Odungi Randa and another group supporting Nyandiko Ongadi.

Raila had remained the Luo kingpin. Upon his death, his brother Oburu Oginga was recently installed as the interim  Orange Democratic Movement party leader.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Rarieda MP Amollo Otiende and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi are also jostling for the kingship position.

Barely eight years ago, the Luo Council of Elders chairperson urged members to refrain from endorsing politicians seeking various political seats, stating that numerous endorsements were tainting the image of the council, which ought to remain neutral.

During Governor Natembeya’s visit to Nabongo Mumia Cultural Centre, King Nabongo Mumia II said elders received an invitation from the governor to visit the place, as opposed to them inviting the governor.

The King, however, accused leaders from the Western region of dividing the people, saying that the problem is with the leaders and not the locals.

“He (Natembeya) has visited the kingdom, and we are going to support his bid to unite the region for development. The problem we have is that leaders are divided, but the community is united,” said Mumia II.

Political analyst Martin Andati opines that most of the councils of elders across the country carry out their mandate under the influence of money and power.

“What happened to Natembeya in Vihiga, where he was endorsed as a Luhya spokesperson, is one of many things to come. Those elders opposing his installation are pro-Mudavadi, and they will do so based on what they have been given in terms of money,” said Andati.

Spokesman

“These affairs are expensive. They involve money to conduct, and those who are seeking political power sponsor them. If you have money and power, then you are good to get elders’ blessings,” he added.

Andati said Mudavadi has never been endorsed by Bukusu elders.

“It is a plus for Natembeya to get blessings and be installed as the Luhya spokesperson by Vihiga Elders as opposed to Mudavadi, who has never been endorsed beyond his Maragoli hometown. For me, elders have seen that Natembeya has the factors of a leader, especially in his messaging to the people to liberate the community from poverty and selfish politics, and that is why they find it easier to endorse him as opposed to Mudavadi and Wetang’ula,” said Andati.

Andati said that more endorsements by elders across the country are expected, and it is a season for the elders to make money.

“Most of these activities by our elders are sponsored by powerful people and even the government of the day in achieving a certain goal, because, truth be said, most of these elders have a big say and influence in the community and political circles. As we approach the election, we are going to witness more of the installation of politicians, and it is time for the elders to offer their services, handouts, and power will take the day,” said Andati.

In Kakamega, one of the members of the Luhya Council of Elders, who sought anonymity, told The Nairobian that most of the elders are out to seek money, and that is why several factions of elders are opposing each other.

“This is not about unity anymore; it is about access and money. You now have elders aligning based on who can pay more or who they think might win. It is not about the community’s interest,” he said.

“This back and forth is creating confusion. It sends a message that unity in the Luhya community is still elusive and that the structures meant to safeguard cultural legitimacy are being hijacked by politics,” he added.