Ntimama’s daughter buried amid unity calls

Former Tanzanian Prime Minister Edward Lowassa condoles with late William ole Ntimama’s widow Dorcas at their home at Matony in Narok.

Maa community leaders urged to set differences aside ahead of joint meeting later in the month

Maasai unity and fight for their land rights in the ongoing Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) took centre stage during the burial of former Maa spokesman William ole Ntimama’s daughter Vivian Tanash in Narok.

Leaders who spoke during the funeral graced by former Tanzanian Prime Minister Edward Lowassa and Environment CS Keriako Tobiko, spoke of unity of purpose as the community presents their proposals to the BBI committee.

“Fight for your rights. As Maasai in Tanzania, we support you fully. If there is something that is being changed in the law make, sure that your are not left behind,” urged Mr Lowassa.

The “Maa Nation” from Kajiado, Samburu and Narok is set to hold joint BBI consultation meetings set for February 22, 2020 at Narok Stadium.

Other leaders led by Senator Ledama ole Kina and MP Moitalel ole Kenta asked leaders to put aside their political differences and push for the community agenda.

“We want to be one as community. Issues of land and agriculture which are centre to our hearts should be addressed. We shall be presenting our views as one community,” said Mr Kenta.

The community professionals led by CS Tobiko and Geothermal Development Company (GDC) CEO Eng Johnson Nchoe also said they will have their input in the BBI report.

Ms Ntimama who was working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs collapsed and died at their home in Nairobi last week.

The Maa leaders also took the opportunity to credit the late Ole Ntimama’s efforts in the fight for the community rights.

“If today Ntimama was alive, he could be very happy with the efforts he put in fighting for our rights,” said Tobiko.

According to family members, Vivian complained of chest pains on the left hand side then collapsed early morning while preparing to go to work.