Immediate former Narok Maasai Council of elders chair Francis Ole Nooseli has called on the council to beware of politicians with selfish interest whose aim is to lure the community to vote in their favour.
Ole Nooseli said that during his ten-year tenure as the Maasai council of elders’ chairperson, he has a rich experience on how politicians try to maneuver the elders to favour them during the elections.
“We already have a ruling government in power and we should concentrate on supporting it to deliver development agenda to wananchi. Anyone who comes with a contrary opinion should be avoided,” said the retired council leader.
The elder who spoke today in a Narok hotel asked the new chair, Kelena Ole Nchoe to concentrate on uniting the seven Maa clans living in Narok so that they can be able to speak in one voice.
“The new chair should unite the Purko, Loita, Kikonyokei, Ildamat, Moitalek, Siria and Uasin Gishu communities living in the county first. Politicians who are interested with the votes of the Maasai people should meet a united community,” he reiterated.
He advised the council to prioritize their development needs before being lured to back any politician who will come knocking doors for their support.
At the same time, the outgoing chair asked the new leaders to help in fighting against retrogressive cultural practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) that has derailed development in the area.
“We should support our president’s vision of ending FGM by the year 2022. This is one of the key roles that the new committee should prioritize so that our girls will have a chance to advance in their studies like those from other counties,” he said.
Ole Nooseli stepped down in a bid to fight for the National seat as chairman of the National Maasai Council of elders. Maasai community is spread in four counties namely: Laikipia, Baringo, Kajiado and Narok.
The elections were held last Wednesday at the William Ole Ntimama Stadium and attended by the Narok security team led by Commissioner Evans Achoki.
The council is very influential in making key decisions that affect the community including land dispute resolution, resolving marital issues and since they are respected elders in the community, they can easily influence the voting pattern of the people.
by Ann Salaton/Hildah Muchiri
