Maasai clans tussle over projects

A supremacy battle has erupted between two Maasai clans over the implementation of development projects in Narok County.

At the centre of the conflict is Governor Samuel Tunai’s plan to set aside 600 acres at Limanet for expansion of the town to ease congestion.

In the plan, funded by the World Bank, the county government offices will be transferred to Limanet market, livestock trade will be carried out in Ewaso Nyiro, and farm produce market will be at Rotian.

However, a section of Purko clan leaders led by Narok North MP Moitalel ole Kenta and his predecessor William ole Ntimama are opposed to Mr Tunai’s plan.

Mr Tunai is from the Siria clan and has been accused of sidelining the Purko, who are the majority, in development and appointments.

On Tuesday, Mr Kenta said their opposition was due to the failure by the governor to consult the Purko clan leaders on the planned acquisition of land and other development initiatives.

“The land the governor is plotting to acquire is community land and we will not cede an inch of it,” he said. “We will fight against this plan because there is no way community property can just be taken away without consultations.”

He also dismissed Narok County Commissioner Kasim Farah’s warning against holding demos to protest the planned land acquisition, saying it was the community’s constitutional right to protest.

He accused Mr Farah of taking sides in the dispute and told him to keep off the row.

“We want to tell the provincial administration that we will hold demonstrations because it is our right to do so, and we will not be intimidated by the warnings they are issuing. We shall use every means available to protect the interests of our people,” he said.