Nyachae recalls time as the Rift Valley PC

During my orientation tour following my transfer from Nairobi to Nakuru, I visited Nandi District. I recall the late senior chief Titi remarking, "President Kenyatta has posted a child as a Provincial Commissioner."

His remarks were not out of place because at that time I was only 34 years old. I also warmly remember the support and encouragement that I received from retired President Moi who was then the Minister for Home Affairs.

The late Hon Justus ole Tipis who was the chairman of the Regional Assembly also received me well. At that time there was a majimbo system of government and the PC was a crucial link in all aspects of administration in the jimbo (Province).

In the Rift Valley, I was faced with regular ethnic problems between the Maasai and Akamba. There were frequent tribal wars fought around Sultan Hamud and Emali, sparked by cattle theft. I would fly there and hold meetings to quell the hostility. I greatly valued the support that the late Hon Paul Ngei used to give me. There were also frequent clashes between the Kipsigis and the Maasai of Narok.

The Kipsigis of the Rift Valley and the Kisii of Nyanza Province were not left out either. I recall an incident in which the Kisii clashed with the Kipsigis near Chepalungu. It forced us to invite leaders like the late Taita Towett to help quell the animosity. At that time, senior chief Tengecha (retired) and my father senior Chief Musa Nyandusi (retired) attended the meeting. Mr Charles Murgor was the PC Nyanza. Murgor, himself a Kalenjin was representing the Kisii and I a Kisii was representing the Kipsigis.

In that particular incident people from both sides became very difficult to convince over the need for peaceful co-existence, somehow chiefs Tengecha and Nyandusi confided in each other and thereafter requested to address the people.

The reasons for the tribal clashes were petty offences like animal theft. The Maasai were hospitable. They used to accept people from
other communities and adopt them. They gave their land and showed them where to build and remain among them as acceptees. This generosity of the Maasai was later abused when the people they hosted acquired more land for themselves illegally.