Kikuyu elders provisionally approve Raila as elder

http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=51337

Written By:George Kithuka , Posted: Sat, Jul 19, 2008
Caption: The elders set out conditions before installing Prime Minister Raila Odinga as elder
Kikuyu elders are willing to install Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a Kikuyu elder if only he is ready to adhere to certain conditions.
The community elders however criticized some people whom they accused of proclaiming to be elders yet they are not recognized by the community.
The elders were speaking in Mithonge area Dagoretti during a ceremony on Saturday to install Kikuyu elders.
The leaders say according to Kikuyu customs, one must go through three main stages before he is declared an elder.
They explained that a goat is slaughtered at every stage as elders gather to celebrate and bless the man.
They said Raila has demonstrated statesmanship and he is worthy, but advised him not to be misled by self-proclaimed elders who are not recognized as Kikuyu elders.