Ntimama takes on Narok Governor over jobs

By CHARLES NGENO

The political battle between Narok Governor Samuel Tunai and former Heritage Minister William Ntimama is threatening to frustrate the operations of one of the riches counties.

Ntimama, who enjoyed the support as ‘de facto’ leader of the Maasai for several years has accused the Tunai of playing partisan politics.

 He is also seen to be the force behind the meeting dubbed Oloolaimutia Declaration in Oloolaimutia trading centre in Narok West last Saturday where members of the Purko clan met last Saturday and swore to initiate mechanisms to remove Tunai from power.

Governor Tunai has hit out at those criticising him, saying they are playing cheap politics and have vested interests.

 Tunai accuses Ntimama of being behind those agitating for his removal, stating that they were duly elected by the people of Narok and will stay put to discharge their mandate.

“Ntimama and company have been demanding that members of Purko community be given plum jobs. We are not out to favor one clan over other communities living in Narok. We have and shall continue to consider regional balance and merit in appointments,” said Tunai. Ntimama is supporting members of Purko clan who have accused the governor of gross violation of the Constitution by sidelining the majority.

Tunai has lately been facing opposition from the Purko clan that forms the majority of the Maasais in Narok. The Purko clan accused the governor of assenting to Bills passed without public input and consultation, arbitrary appointment of officers in the county without due process and rewarding his political allies at the expense of qualified locals.

However, those who support Tunai have termed Ntimama disrespectful to elected leaders.

And speaking at a fundraiser at St Lukes Catholic Church in Nairegie Enkare in Narok East last Sunday, Tunai said Ntimama served in several influential Cabinet positions yet he did not do much for the Maasai.

No special clan

Answering to claims that he has sidelined a particular clan, Tunai said there is no special clan in Narok.

Kimintet Member of County Assembly Kuyo ole Kijabe dismissed those opposing the governor as disgruntle individuals who are yet to accept they were voted out in the last elections. He termed them as selfish individuals out to use the clan for their own selfish gains. “Most of the MCAs are from the Purko clan and it is insincere for a section of leaders to accuse the Governor of sideling the Purko,” said Kijabe.

Meitamei Dapash, who contested the Narok North parliamentary seat on a KNC ticket, said the good name of Purko is being used to undermine the Governor.

“What we are seeing has got nothing to do with the Purko but rather malice and a manifestation of selfish interests,” said Dapash, adding that the Governor should be respected.

Maasai Professional Chairman Joseph Sonkori said the Purko have a genuine case and warned that whoever ignores their demands does it at his own peril.

“The Governor should appease the Purko. He should not underrate them because he cannot afford to sideline the majority,” said Sonkori.  He noted the Purko have been the most accommodative clan and by virtue of hosting the county headquarters, they should be given a bigger stake in appointments.

Other clans in the region are Keekonyokie, Ildamat, Uasin-Gishu, Siria, Loita and Moitanik.

The Ildamat and Keekonyokie live in Narok East while Siria, Moitanik and Uasin Gishu are found in the larger Trans Mara District.

The Purko is the dominant clan and has produced prominent leaders like Ntimama and the Ntutus.

Purko leaders have had close working relationships with previous regimes through paramount chiefs Kundai ole Sankale and Lerionka ole Nutu, who had the ear of founding President Jomo Kenyatta and former President Daniel Moi.

Tunai, who comes from the smaller Siria clan, beat three candidates from the Purko group in the governor race in the March 4 General Election.

Narok Central Business District Chairman David Sankok accused Tunai of failing to offer leadership warning that the governor is brewing inter clan and inter-community conflicts.

“The appointments should have been shared proportionally. But what the governor has done is an attempt to suffocate the Purko,” he said. Hassan ole Kamwaro, the National Coordinator of the Maasai Council of Elders, also said the Governor was using dictatorial tendencies in making decisions in the county.

“The origin of tribulations in the county is as a result of the Governor’s inability to lead and his dictatorial approach in handling opposition,” Kamwaro said.