Maasai community backs parliamentary system of Govt

ODM leader Raila Odinga (centre) Narok Governor Samuel Tunai, his Kirinyaga counterpart Anne Waiguru (second left) and other leaders during the Building Bridges Initiative rally in Narok on February 22, 2020. PHOTO | GEORGE SAYAGIE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Governor Lenku said the Maa community resolved to back a parliamentary system of government

  • The community, however, opposed the creation of regional governments. 

The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) rally took place at the Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok Saturday.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga arrived at the stadium in the company of Narok Governor Samuel Tunai, his Kajiado counterpart Joseph ole Lenku and Okoth Obado of Migori at 11am Saturday.

During the event, Maasai leaders handed over their memorandum to Mr Odinga and members of the BBI taskforce.

The leaders called for the return of community land grabbed during the colonial era.

In the proposals read by Mr ole Lenku, the leaders said the fight for the return of community land was not yet over.

"The Maa nation wants economic devolution and not political devolution. We already have counties, which have started off well and visible development has begun to be experienced,” said Mr Ole Lenku.

They said Maasai leaders will fight for the restoration of the vast area covering Naivasha, Molo, Nakuru, Mau Narok, Kedong, Kitet, Laikipia and Ndabibi to be reverted back to the community's ownership.  

The community came up with six resolutions to be included in the BBI report.

The issues include shared prosperity, culture/national ethos, rights of minorities, natural resources, ethnic antagonism, divisive elections and inclusivity.

Governor Lenku said the Maa community resolved to back a parliamentary system of government composed of an executive prime minister and two deputies.

They recommended a rotational presidency between the large and smaller communities to promote equity.

The community, however, opposed the creation of regional governments.

Mr Odinga told off critics keen to derail the BBI initiative since “the train has already left the station”.

He said the report would address various issues, including land reforms, election malpractices, corruption and an economic revolution to rescue the youth from unemployment.

“We are agitating on how the country will be governed, and those who are dwelling on tribal lines will be left behind. They must come out of their cocoons and join this agenda of forming a new Kenya,” said Mr Odinga.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru maintained her support for BBI as she called for an expanded executive for inclusivity. She said the top leadership must be gender sensitive to give women opportunity to exploit their potential. She said Mount Kenya region supports President Uhuru Kenyatta at BBI.