Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko has asked the Maa people not to relent in preserving their rich culture for posterity.
Tobiko who spoke yesterday when he visited the Ildamat clan youth graduation ceremony commonly known as ‘Manyatta’ in Narok East Sub County said the Maa culture has united all the Maasai’s living in Kenya.
He reiterated that President Uhuru Kenyatta recognizes the Maa culture hence the reason he sent him to represent him in the graduation that saw hundreds of young Maasai men graduate to another age set.
He called on the Maa community to shun retrogressive cultural practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages that continue to pull the community behind.
“We should remain united as we have always been. The Maa community in Narok, Kajiado, Laikipia and Samburu are one. We should desist from people who come to divide us,” said Tobiko.
The Cabinet secretary cautioned the community to be vigilant of covid-19 disease saying it was real and affecting many families.
“I am glad to see you kept the Covid-19 laid protocol during the season you were in the Manyatta. It is wise you continue following the regulations to keep the disease at bay,” reiterated Tobiko. Narok East Deputy Sub County Commissioner Eric Murevu praised the Maa culture but asked them to be conscious of retrogressive practices that are illegal.
He asked the Maa community to take advantage of the free primary education so as to take all the children to school.
Narok County Director for Culture Ms Violent Sikawa said the county will document every heritage for future generations.
She reiterated that the Maasai traditions, styles and way of life was marketable internationally, calling on the Maa people to continue preserving their culture with a lot of passion.
“The Maa culture is a brand by itself. We shall propagate our culture for posterity so that our children will enjoy what we are enjoying today,” said Ms Sikawa.
By Ann Salaton
