Narok Maasai council of elders has called on the pastoralist communities to familiarize themselves with the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report so as to back it during the referendum.
The elders who were speaking at their office lauded their County Assembly and Governor Samuel Tunai for backing the report saying it will benefit the Maa community.
Led by Narok North Maasai Council of elders chair Matiko Ole Sadera, the elders asked the members of the public to turn out in large numbers when called to vote in the referendum in order to implement the constitutional change.
“We back the Bill because of its content and not because of any political ambition. We are happy that it proposes an addition of three constituencies in Narok County which will bring development close to wananchi,” he said.
Ole Sadera asked elected leaders to respect the president and the spirit of handshake that has united the country.
“We all know that the country was divided before the handshake, however, we have seen all tribes coming together and eating on one table after the handshake. This is the spirit we want in our country,” said Ole Sadera.
The elder praised the president Uhuru Kenyatta for the multiple projects implemented in the county under his watch saying most roads and industries had come up in the last five year.
“The Mau- Narok road that was impassable has now been upgraded hence residents can easily get to Nakuru town. The Leather tannery built by Ewaso Ngiro South Development Agency (ENSDA) is also another big project implemented by the government in our county,” he said.
Ms. Eunice Marima, a Maasai elder, challenged the Maa community not to accept being lured by selfish politicians who take advantage of the marginalized community to vie for office.
“We will stand with BBI and the spirit of handshake because it has proven gainful for the pastoralists communities. Our people will directly benefit from the constitutional amendment if it is passed into law,” said Ms. Marima.
Already, all Maa speaking counties, Narok, Kajiado and Laikipia have had their Members of the county assemblies passing the BBI report.
by Ann Salaton
