Koitalel mausoleum ready for use

By TITUS TOO

The Sh58 million mausoleum constructed in honour of Nandi freedom fighter Koitalel arap Samoei has been completed.

A section of his descendants hailed the Government for the project.

The descendants to the Nandi Orgoiyot killed by colonial imperialists in 1905 said the mausoleum constructed at the heart of Nandi Hills town would promote the cultural heritage of the community and Koitalel’s Talai clan in Nandi.

The facility, which has already been handed over to the National Museums of Kenya, houses traditional artifacts voluntarily contributed by the old members of the community.

Equip mausoleum

Led by David Sulo, they urged the Government to equip the mausoleum with modern facilities.

"We thank President Kibaki for announcing the S58 million funding when he attended the centenary celebration into Koitalel’s killing, which was held in Nandi Hills in 2005," said Sulo.

During his visit, the President said Koitalel was a national hero and also announced that 163 acres be hived off from Agricultural Development Corporation farm at Kimwani for the development of an institute.

Speaking in Eldoret yesterday, Sulo said the facility would be marketed as a tourist destination and an income-generating project.

It is expected to generate income for the local community as well.