President Uhuru Kenyatta becomes first president to attend Maasai cultural fete

President Uhuru Kenyatta with Kajiado South MP Katoo ole Metito during the ordination of the Iltuati Age Group Leader at Illaiserr Manyatta in Mbirikani, Kajiado County, yesterday. [Photo: PSCU]

President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the ordination of the leader of a Maasai age-group, being the first time such an important cultural event was graced by a Head of State.

The President joined leaders and community members at Illaiserr Manyatta in Kajiado County to witness the ordination of Kupere ole Metui as the Iltuati Age Group leader.

The President also donated Sh2 million to help the community finance the traditional rite, which has been running for the past four months.

There were many light moments as local leaders engaged in a tug-of-war to decide which age-set President Kenyatta belonged to and even which clan he should join.

The issue was finally settled by Kajiado South MP Katoo ole Metito when he said, "everyone loves what is good and all of us want you to belong to us."

President Kenyatta, dressed in Maasai regalia, was escorted to the venue by newly initiated morans (youthful Maasai warriors) dressed in their famous colourful outfits.

There was an ecstatic mood at the manyatta near Imbirikani, Kajiado South Constituency, with the old and young happy that the President's visit has lifted their culture to a new level.

President Kenyatta said his objective is to reinforce positive cultural practices and called on Maasai leaders to ensure that those participating in cultural rites also get education.

"Tradition does not mean ignorance. Tradition and education go hand in hand," he said.

Uhuru said those brought up without a strong foundation do not become useful members of the society, adding that there was a need to promote positive traditions.

"Our Constitution requires that our cultures and traditions be supported and it is important for us to support the Maasai culture," said the President.

He also said that the National Youth Service (NYS) would visit the Manyatta today and meet the young men in a bid to recruit them to work on local projects to help the community.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery said it was an honour to have the President spend the day in the remote parts of Kajiado County to back a cultural rite that is dear to the Maasai.

"Your presence here today has proved that you respect us because this is a very important day in our community," he said.

Such ceremonies are done after every 10 years.

Kajiado Governor David Nkedianye said leaders in the county are working in harmony and appreciate the President's support.

"We are working together and we respect each other because we know Kenya is bigger than our individual egos," said the governor.

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku said the Maasai culture is a brand that has brought fortunes for Kenya and all citizens should be proud of it.

"We thank you for recognising and supporting our culture which Kenya is known for. When you are in a foreign country and you say you are a Kenyan the first thing they ask is whether you are Maasai," he said.

Joseph ole Kilitia, the elder who was in charge of the initiation and ordination process for the Manyatta, said the cultural rite has been reformed to protect wildlife.

"If it was some decades ago there would be the heads of many lions on the tip of the flagpoles here instead of flags," he said.

He said they also make sure that the initiates attend school even as they are encouraged to learn and uphold their culture.

"The main objectives of the rite is to teach discipline and unity," he said.