Clan, land issues play role in polls

By Kipchumba Kemei

Unlike in the past, when development influenced outcomes of elections right from presidency to the Civic seats, the coming polls will be different.

Observers believe that other than party euphoria, the dominant Maasai clan, Purko and the Kalenjins who inhabit Narok North and Kilgoris districts are also likely to determine the outcome.

In the 2002 General Election, candidates who aligned themselves with the then popular Narc party carried the day while in 2007, the ODM euphoria ensured that those who stood on the party ticket were elected.

The entry of former NSSF manager, Joseph Tiampati and Francis Nkoitoi; a long serving teacher in the gubernatorial race will likely to complicate the scene.

Observers say, the two are popular candidates who hail from the populous Purko clan.

The duo who hosted hundreds of supporters in their homes recently say the county is one of the richest in the country yet lags behind due to years of poor management and unfocused leadership.

Mr Tiampati says the whole county only has a 140 kilometre tarmacked road and promises that if elected; by the end of his five year term, the region will boast of 5,000 kilometres tarmacked road.

Mr Tiampati says the past leaders were a big let down to the people of the county and without naming anybody, he asked voters to send them home in the next polls.

Clan support

“This election will be about what one can do to uplift the living standards of the people of the area. The county residents are tired of popular but non performing leaders,” he said during unveiling of his campaign at his Olokurto home recently.

The area, though fertile has very poor roads and has one ill equipped health facility that serves more than 150,000 residents.

In the past, those vying for elective seats used to bank on clan support.

“Though candidates will bank on support from their clans, many people will be happy if development is given priority,” says Jackson Saika, the chairman of Narok Professionals Association.

Apart from the Purko clan, other Maasai clans include Keekonyokie, Ildamat, Moitanik, Uasin Gishu and Siria.

Others who have expressed interests in the governor’s position are former National Security Intelligence Service officer, Samuel Tunai, former Narok county council Maasai Mara senior warden Michael Koikai and former Kenya Power ICT manager Johnson Nchoe who is being supported by Heritage minister William Ole Ntimama.

Mr Ntimama’s support for Mr Nchoe has drawn sharp reactions from residents and Maasai elders who told the Narok North legislator to stop acting like a king maker.

Land issue

Mr Tiampati says he will ensure all grabbed public land is reverted back to the community.

 He says he will also improve infrastructure including schools and formation of a pastoral bank.

Land issue which Mr Ntimama has been pursuing with passion will be the main feature during the electioneering period. The issue has featured prominently in most forums.