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Maasai elders to pick Ntimama successor

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The Maasai will meet in three weeks’ time to anoint its spokesperson to replace the William ole Ntimama, elders have said.

They said they will hold the meeting that would draw members from Narok, Kajiado, Samburu, Laikipia and part of Baringo County at Suswa grounds to deliberate on issues affecting the community and appoint its spokesperson.

Speaking at the burial of the immediate former Narok North MP and a long serving cabinet minister, Narok Senator Stephen ole Ntutu said the period would give the community time to reflect and pick a person to take care of their interest.

“Those who are eying the position should be patient. The community will sit in three weeks’ time to appoint Ntimama’s successor,” he told mourners who included President Uhuru Kenyatta and retired President Moi.

And they told the president to engage its leaders directly and not through proxies and called on him to start processes that would lead to compensation of land the community has lost since independence.

“We want you to engage us directly. Not self-centred personalities or politicians. If you do that the community will benefit,” said Moitalel Kenta, the Narok North MP.

He also told the president that the boundaries of Mau forest and settlement areas were known and prevailed upon him to save it from depletion.

Kajiado Governor John Nkedienye said the community would not compromise on the issue of saving the biggest water catchment area in the country and asked the government to respect Ntimama’s wish by saving it.

Vision party leader Nicholas Biwott hailed Ntimama for defending the community rights, adding that he helped introduce wheat and barley farming in the region.

Edward Lowasa, the former Tanzania Prime Minister hailed the state for according Ntimama a state burial, saying he united the Maasai in the two east African countries. “He was a uniting figure. The community in the two countries benefitted especially on land matters because of his foresight leadership,” he added.

[crp]

 

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