Maasai leaders mourn a mentor

Leaders from Narok and Kajiado counties yesterday mourned former Cabinet Minister William ole Ntimama, who died on Thursday night.

Narok Governor Samuel Tunai described Ntimama’s death as a misfortune.

“We are distraught, desolate and sad as a community,” said Tunai.

He remembered Ntimama as a leader who loved truth, justice, equality and servant leadership, which was evident in the footsteps of his illustrious career.

A sombre mood engulfed Ntimama’s Nairobi home in Lavington, as leaders streamed into the compound to condole with the family of the 86-year-old politician.

Led by Narok Senator Stephen Ntutu, the leaders paid glowing tributes to Ntimama, who for over four decades bestrode the Maasai political scene, describing him as their mentor.

The senator was accompanied by MPs Johanna Ng’eno (Emurua Dikirr), Patrick ole Ntutu (Narok West), Elijah Memusi (Kajiado Central), Peris Tobiko (Kajiado East) and Mathew Lempurke (Laikipia North). They held a brief meeting with family members and friends before addressing journalists.

An emotionally drained former minister John Keen, a longtime friend of Ntimama, sat briefly in the tent before being led into the house.

School mates

“I am so sorry to the family for the loss. Ntimama was two years younger than me and more like a brother,” said the veteran politician.

Keen and Ntimama studied at the Alliance High School.

NTSA Director General Francis Meja and former Transport Licensing Board Chairman Hassan ole Kamwaro also attended the meeting.

“He was not only a leader of the Maasai community, but of the whole country. Being at the helm of leadership for 40 years is no mean feat. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him and whose lives he touched,” said Senator Ntutu.

The Senator said although he had political differences with Ntimama for many years, the differences never became personal and they were close friends.

“From 1997, we were always on opposing sides with Mzee. In the last elections, we were in Jubilee but he was in Cord and he put up a spirited fight and managed to eat into the support of President Uhuru Kenyatta. But we still remained very good friends,” he said.

In his Narok home, Ntimama was eulogised as the “king” of Maasai politics and a mentor.

Neighbours who spoke to The Standard on Saturday expressed their sorrow at losing a neighbour, leader and a role model.

Rev George Lemein, a neighbour, said he received the news of the demise with great shock and disbelief.