Land issues to dominate BBI forum in Narok
Land issues are expected to take centre-stage during the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) meeting in Narok tomorrow, according to local leaders.
Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku and his Narok counterpart Samuel Tunai have closed ranks in support of the national unity project spearheaded by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition chief Raila Odinga.
Raila on Monday held talks aimed at ironing out differences among Maasai politicians revolving around President Uhuru’s decision to appoint Lenku as the BBI pointman in the region.
Politicians, led by former Kajiado senator Peter ole Mositet, had questioned Lenku’s appointment saying he was a “late comer” to the BBI train. According to Mositet, Lenku has been a member of Deputy President William Ruto’s side which is lukewarm towards the BBI.
Raila is expected to lead politicians in the rally to be held at Narok Stadium.
“We want the land that was taken away from the Maasai community to be reverted to us. There should be no more sale of Maasai land,” said Narok North MP Motailel ole Kenta.
“We also want a special status accorded to the Mau Forest, Masai Mara Game Reserve and the Amboseli. They should be managed by county governments. That is not negotiable,” Kenta told People Daily.
Seek support
He added: “Leaders from this region also support an expanded Executive to accommodate pastoralists. We want safe seats in Cabinet for pastoralists and a constituency for the Njemps.”
Yesterday, Lenku reiterated that it was all systems go for the Narok rally since the differences that threatened to overshadow it had been ironed out.
“The BBI is a political process and therefore you can expect politicians to seek their personal space for obvious reasons. Our effort to unite all Kenyans has the backing of President Kenyatta and Odinga. We are in control of the Narok rally,” said the governor.
Lenku, however, cautioned elected leaders to respect all the residents of the Maa counties and stop making reckless statements which were against the BBI spirit of peace and unity.
He was making reference to statements attributed to Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina to the effect that the Narok rally was “purely a Maa affair”.
“The ultimate purpose of the BBI was to eradicate sentiments that could be construed to be divisive. Our leaders should know that ethnic harmony is good for everyone.”
During the occasion, the venue will be renamed the William ole Ntimama Stadium in honour of the former Maasai supremo who died in 2016.
Ntimama, who was in politics for over 40 years, was regarded as a spokesperson of the Maa community.
The former Cabinet minister and staunch Raila ally was a fierce defender of the Maasai especially on land rights and the restoration of the Mau watchtower.
“As Maasai leaders we have resolved to back the BBI because it addresses issues that have affected the community for decades such as poverty, marginalisation and land distribution,” said Mositet.
“We will also hold prayers for the restoration of the Mau forest as we seek support from other Kenyans for protection of marginalised communities,” added Kenta.
The community has been pressing for the implementation of the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) and the Ndung’u Land Commission report which they believe will help address historical injustices committed to pastoralists and pave the way for compensation.
The pro-BBI group led by Lenku argues that if implemented, the BBI proposals would help the community occupy important position in the next government.
The BBI campaign is the product of the March 2018 Handshake between President Uhuru and Raila. The BBI rallies are part of the second phase of public hearings by the Yusuf Haji-led taskforce to validate the initial proposals received by the President last year.
Create positions
But another group comprising Narok South MP Korei Lemein, Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West), Peris Tobiko (Kajiado East) and Narok Woman Representative Soipan Tuya —all allied to Ruto— have poured cold water on the BBI which they claim is meant to create positions for certain individuals.
The Narok meeting will also involve leaders from the Samburu community led by Deputy governor Julius Leseeto and Senator Steve Lelegwe.
Raila’s constant calls for implementation of the TJRC report had earned him the support of the Maasai community during elections.
Jackson Saika, the Maasai Professionals Association chairman says the community would have wholly embraced BBI if it was about addressing land issues.
