Race for Maa vote heats up ahead of 2027 polls

Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku Ole Kanar is the national chairman of Rigathi Gachagua's DCP. [File, Standard]

With the 2027 General Election on the horizon, the battle for the 1.4 million Maa vote has begun in earnest.

Without a unifying political figure since the death of veteran politician William Ole Ntimama - the de facto Maasai community kingpin in 2016 - and that of former Cabinet Minister Joseph Nkaissery in 2017, the scramble for one of Kenya's most influential voting blocs has taken centre stage.

A rising opposition wave comprising impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, and new political entrant Fred Matiang'i is going up against a firmly rooted pro-government faction.

In a politically charged fortnight, Gachagua reignited his ambitions by hosting a high-level Maa leaders' delegation at his Wamunyoro residence, followed by a rally in Narok Town.

Flanked by Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku, Kajiado North MP Onesmus Nkokoyo, and Narok North parliamentary aspirant Martine Ole Kamwaro, Gachagua declared the Maa region the cradle of the movement.

Lenku was appointed national chairman of the DCP, while Kamwaro was named deputy secretary-general.

"We were blocked in the city, but we've come home to launch our movement where we are truly welcomed," Gachagua told the crowd. "This party belongs to the Maa nation too."

But as Gachagua courts support in Maasailand, strong counter-voices from within the region's top leadership have emerged in staunch defence of President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, once known for opposition politics but now firmly aligned with the ruling coalition, dismissed DCP as a "divisive experiment" with no real grassroots support.

"The people of Kajiado are not interested in political theatrics. They want roads, water, jobs and that's what President Ruto is delivering," said Lenku.

"As governors from Maa counties, we are working hand in hand with the national government to bring services to our people."

Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, a key Ruto ally, accused Gachagua of exploiting historical grievances for political gain.

"We recognise the issues around land and marginalisation. But let's not pretend that they started yesterday," Ntutu said.

"President Ruto has committed resources to settle long-standing land disputes in Mau and elsewhere - and we're seeing progress, not just talk."

Echoing these sentiments, Samburu Governor Jonathan Leleliit said the Maasai must resist being used in political schemes that undermine development. "In Samburu, we have seen direct investment in infrastructure, schools, and climate resilience projects," Leleliit stated.

".The President has listened to us and we are with him."

Despite the pushback, Gachagua's rally at Rungu ya Moi Grounds in Narok Town drew thousands.

Accompanied by opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justine Muturi, he accused Ruto's administration of land grabs, extrajudicial killings, abductions, and economic mismanagement.

Gachagua specifically cited the controversial 4,700-acre Olkiombo parcel, claiming parts of it had been "secretly allocated to State House interests."

"We demand transparency. How many acres were titled in the Mau forest? Who benefited? We have credible evidence that this land has been carved out for the President," he said.

But not all Maasai leaders are swayed by Gachagua's charm offensive.

"We have a few perennial losers who paid a courtesy call to an impeached individual named Riggy G," he posted on X. The Maasai vote is intact. We will back Ruto and Raila," Narok Senator Ledama Olekina.