MP William Kamket named Pokot spokesman

Tiaty MP William Kamket joins traditional dancers after being installed as Pokot elder at Katungura village in Tiaty. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Tiaty MP William Kamket has been installed as the Pokot spokesperson, a move that could cause friction between him and West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo.

In 2017, Prof Lonyangapuo was installed as the community spokesperson, 16 years after the death of fiery Cabinet Minister Francis Lotodo who last held the position.

Elaborate ceremony

The two leaders are from Kanu, but the governor has lately backed Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid.

On Saturday, in an elaborate ceremony, about 500 elders converged at Katungura village within Orus location in Tiaty and crowned Mr Kamket.

During the ceremony, he adorned a lion skin, complete with tail, and a traditional Pokot cap made from black ostrich feathers. The elders performed various rituals to bless Kamket to spearhead the community’s interests.

Baringo County Assembly Deputy Speaker Makale Selemoi said the ceremony marked the beginning of a new leadership.

He called on Kamket to take up the leadership role and lead the community as expected.

“Pick up the mantle and lead us well. We want a leadership that will drive us to the future,” Selemoi said.

He said there will be no conflict between Lonyangapuo and Kamket as the former’s term as spokesman had expired.

The leaders said despite Lonyangapuo’s term having ended, he will remain an elder and asked him to support Kamket.

The installation of Kamket comes at a time the West Pokot governor has been seen to be aligning himself to the Deputy President.

Kamket, after inauguration, promised the community his commitment to serve.

He said as community, they should maintain peaceful coexistence with their neighbours.

Referendum debate

On matters politics, the legislator said Tiaty and the Pokot community have a voice and would give directions on the ongoing referendum debate.

He noted that he was the first to present a Bill on the amendment of the Constitution and what has been presented by other parties seem to concur with his position.

He said MPs were awaiting proposals in a report by the Building Bridges Initiative after which they will have it debated in Parliament.

He dismissed claims that dynasties were ganging up ahead of 2022 election.