Gikuyu, Embu, and Meru Association

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The Gikuyu, Embu, Meru Association (GEMA) is an organisation in Kenya created to presumably advance the social and political needs of the Eastern Kenya Bantu people of Gikuyu, Embu, and Meru who though are closely related linguistically and culturally but don't have common mythologies or history. It was founded in 1971, with an economic arm, GEMA Holdings.^[1]

GEMA was formally registered by Attorney General Charles Njonjo by the instructions of president Jomo Kenyatta. Njonjo himself became an opponent of the group and in 1976 charged some of its members, including Kihika Kimani and Njenga Karume, with treason: the order was soon rejected by the president, Jomo Kenyatta.^[2] Other prominent GEMA figures included Njoroge Mungai, Jackson Angaine and Paul Ngei.

GEMA was formally banned in 1981, although it is believed to have continued to function as Agricultural and Industrial Holdings Ltd.^[3]

Since 2003 there have been several attempts to revive the organisation, with two particular groups, MEGA and Transcentury, widely perceived to have roots in the old GEMA association. Current chairman is retired bishop Lawi Imathiu.