Discuss the political organization of the Ameru in the 19th century.
Answer:
- They had decentralized political system based on the clan.
- They had the council of elders (Njuri Ncheke) that administered the affairs of the clan.
- The council of elders (Njuri Nicheke) was the supreme and was the legislative body that made law and also presided over religious ceremonies.
- They had the age set system. Boys after initiation joined the age set and became warriors to defend the community against external attacks.
- The special people like diviners and prophets were consulted by the Njuri Ncheke before a decision was made i.e. to declare war.