Tobiko endorses MP Kenta for Narok gubernatorial seat

Environment CS Keriako Tobiko has waded into Narok politics where he has endorsed Narok North MP Moitalel ole Kenta for gubernatorial seat in this year’s general elections.

Tobiko, who spoke during the Maa declaration in Parburush in Narok South subcounty, said the county needs strong and visionary leaders.

He added that, for a long time, the communities have suffered poor leadership despite enormous resources found in the area.

Tobiko told the legislator to bring all the commodities together and serve them equally and desist from discriminating against a particular tribe despite their differences.

“The Maa nation is a welcoming community and I expect you to work together with other communities for the sake of peace and development in this county,” Tobiko said.

Tobiko, who attended the ceremony in his capacity as the community's senior most leader in government, said Kenta has the wherewithal to lead Narok.

“I will be at peace when Narok county will be under tutelage of Kenta and all the people will be in the safe of hands,” he said. 

“I have fought many battles with you together and demonstrated that you are a true and dedicated leader and Narok will be much better when you are the next county boss."

The event was attended by former Geothermal Development Company CEO Johnson ole Nchoe, NEMA chairman Dalton Konchellah and former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel.

Others in attendance included Narok Senate aspirant Martin ole Kamwaro and Narok women representative aspirant, Lydia Masikonde.

The climax of the ceremony was the endorsement of the legislator by the elders, a clear indication that he should now be ready to take the county seat.

In a blessing ceremony the elders dressed Kenta in a traditional regalia and blessed him using milk and honey with traditional liquor that was spilled to him.

The elders performed rituals as a symbol of authority to represent the community’s political interest and was given  the green-light to seek the elective position

On his part, Kenta dismissed allegations that he will discriminate against a certain community once he is elected to be the next county boss.

“I will unite all the communities but I will elect my running mate from the Maasai community, let that be known to you," Kenta said.

"I have been an MP for 10 years and my constituency is a cosmopolitan area and there is no time I have discriminated against any community residing there.” 

He added that he will not allow the Maasai community to be pushed to the periphery when it comes to leadership and development matters.

“I will not just sit and watch my people being denied their constitutional rights in their right place, I will fight for them to the end,” he added.

He promised to use the revenue accruing from tourism and agriculture to turn the county into an economic powerhouse.

“Given the chance to lead, Narok county will leap forward to be the most developed. Why should people live in abject poverty when they have wealth at their doorsteps?"

Kenta is allied to the Azimio La Umoja movement backing ODM boss Raila Odinga for president and is expected to face William Ruto's preferred candidate.

"We shall protect our wildlife and our voters. We shall ensure that the massive resources from the tourism help our people and not a few individuals," he said.

Nchoe said that he contested for the seat on an ODM ticket in 2013, but this time round he is backing Kenta for the county post.

“Kenta is the best placed to bring tangible change. He is the only hope for a better future for the people of Narok and all of them are supporting him for the gubernatorial seat,” he said.

(edited by Amol Awuor)