CS Nkaissery endorses KMC chairman Taraiya ole Kores for governor

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaisery (left) shares roasted meat as a way of reconciliation with Kenya Meat Commission Chairman Taraiya ole Kores over the weekend. [Photo: PETERSON GITHAIGA/standard]

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has endorsed his long-time political rival for the Kajiado gubernatorial seat.

In a ceremony witnessed by Maasai elders, Mr Nkaissery and Kenya Meat Commission Chairman Taraiya ole Kores buried the hatchet. The two have been exchanging political barbs for years.

The two made peace and decided to work together in a rare cleansing ceremony held at the home of Mr Kores at Ilondokilani, Kajiado West sub-county.

More than 100 elders from the Eseuri age set participated in the ceremony where Mr Kores was sprayed with cold milk as a way of blessing and getting him out of the curse that could have affected him, after he allegedly abused Nkaissery who is like his father according to the Maasai culture.

Kores later, joined by his family, went through a cow shed as the elders watched from a distance.

Nkaisery sprinkled cold milk that had been stored for three days on him as a sign of forgiveness, and also shared roasted meat.

The two have been in a war of words since Mr Nkaissery was elected as the Kajiado Central MP while Kores was the Chairman of Olkejuado County Council.

The CS said he was happy to have their friendship back after years of name calling.

"I am just like your father, and if you have decided to take this step of seeking forgiveness and blessings from me, then I have no otherwise but to do as you wish," he said.

He, however, warned Kores not to let down the people of Kajiado like he did during the last General Election.

Nkaisery was referring a situation where Kores' candidature was withdrawn the last minute for lack of academic papers.

"I am told that you are now in school and you are expected to graduate in July this year. I want you to be very serious with the job you are seeking as it is not a simple one," he advised.

"This is the day I have been waiting for. I am assuring my supporters that the train has now started moving, and nothing will stop us from getting the gubernatorial seat," he said.

The Jubilee camp is currently split into two camps, with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku leading one camp while Tarayia ole Kores leading the other.