After years of soul-searching, the rudderless Maa Council of Elders has finally enthroned Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku as the community’s national spokesman.
Meeting at a Gilgil resort, council chairman John ole Maitai of the Nyangusi age-set, oversaw the installation of Lenku as their spokesman on Friday evening last week.
The elders came from Laikipia, Narok, Nakuru, Kajiado, Samburu and Baringo counties.
Maitai said that when the last Maa spokesman, politician William ole Ntimama, died on September 1, 2016, the council has been traversing the Maa nation in search of a replacement.
He said, "The inauguration ceremony for the installation of Lenku as our spokesman will be done later after the country has flattened the Covid-19 infection curve.
“This was just to let Governor Lenku know we the council members have settled on him to take over from where Ntimama left off. We are happy for the work he is doing as our leader,” Maitai said.
He said they had given him the full mandate to connect the Maa people with the government.
They said he would lead other elected leaders in popularising the Building Bridges Initiative in the Maa nation.
The elders said Lenku will represent the face of Maa leadership because he “stands for unity and truth across our nation”.
NYANGUSI, IRKITOIP, ISEURI
The elders, mostly belonging to the age-group of Nyangusi, Iseuri and Irkitoik, reminded Lenku about historical land injustices suffered by the community before and after Independence.
Governor Lenku said, “I am humbled beyond words by the faith and confidence that the Maa Council of Elders has in me.”
Lenku said he was shouldering a great responsibility.
“With the best of my ability, I will discharge the new mandate with humility, diligence and a high spirit of justice for our people,” Lenku said.
Kenyan leaders heaped praise on Ntimama, whom they called a fallen hero.
His blunt, bold speak on powder-keg issues was hailed as evidence of unparalleled courage.
They celebrated his daring and called him a man who took on the high and mighty without flinching and with missionary zeal.
(Edited by V. Graham)
