The Maa community has pledged to support the re-election of President William Ruto, citing what they described as his fulfillment of key pledges made to the community.
Led by governors from the three Maasai-speaking counties, the leaders said the Ruto Administration has delivered priority projects and reforms that have directly benefited the Maa community.
Kajiado Governor, Joseph ole Lenku, thanked the President for handing over the management of Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County, a demand the community had presented to four previous administrations without success.
“Even after facing resistance from powerful quarters, President William Ruto delivered the promise of handing over Amboseli National Park back to its rightful owners. We had pleaded with four former presidents to return it to us to no avail. We celebrate you, Mr. President, because we know it took enormous courage to correct this historical injustice. We pledge to support your re-election bid in 2027 as an appreciation,” Ole Lenku said.
He further lauded the removal of the additional vetting procedures that had made it difficult for residents of border counties, to acquire national identity cards.
“Our people are now able to get national identity cards easily, to exercise their rights in the upcoming elections, and we will contribute meaningfully to the future of Kenya,” he said.
Narok Governor, Patrick ole Ntutu, praised the President for what he termed as a strong development record in the Maa counties.
He cited the launch of 150 kilometres of tarmacked roads, the establishment of an international airport, and the Narok Level 4 Hospital, as well as employment opportunities created for community members.
“You have fulfilled your promises to us. We will support your re-election bid in 2027, as an appreciation for all that,” Ntutu said, urging the Maa community to maintain unity to strengthen their bargaining power in national politics.
Samburu Governor, Jonathan Lelit, echoed the sentiments of his counterparts and urged the community to stand firmly behind President Ruto.
Also present was Kajiado Senator, Samuel Seki, a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who praised the President for returning Amboseli National Park to the County and endorsed his bid for a second term.
Maa Members of Parliament at the event also committed to rallying behind the President.
President Ruto presided over the official handover of Amboseli National Park, during the Maa Cultural Festival, where he was crowned a Maasai Elder by community elders led by Mzee Richard Oloitiptip.
Beyond the Park handover, the President pledged to establish a Tourism Training Institution in Amboseli, Kajiado South. He also promised to set-up Ushanga hubs across the County and support 47 women beadwork groups with Sh 500,000 each.
by Diana Meneto
