Mara cash, clanism at the heart of county wars

Revenue running into billions of shillings sourced from the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, clanism and ethnicity are fuelling an all-out war between senior politicians in Narok County.

The retirement of veteran politician William Ntimama from active politics also triggered a bitter succession war as leaders jostle for the first-among-equal position of the community.

Investigations by the Nation revealed that the fight for control of revenue from the reserve as well as its management has caused a major rift between Governor Samuel Tunai, a member of the minority Siria clan, and senior politicians from the populous Purko clan— including Mr Ntimama.

Mr Tunai touched a raw nerve when he engineered the replacement of revenue officials at the game reserve citing loss of revenue.

The Kenya Airport Parking Services (KAPS) was awarded the contract to manage all entry posts.

HELPING 'OUTSIDERS'

Mr Ntimama immediately cried foul, saying the move had deprived the locals of jobs at the game reserve that generates nearly Sh2 billion every year.

Senator Stephen ole Ntutu, who has been a staunch ally of Mr Tunai, joined the fray and sided with Mr Ntimama in seeking to challenge the governor’s leadership. They accused Mr Tunai of creating jobs for ‘outsiders’.

‘Outsiders’ is a coded word used to refer to ethnic Kipsigis who have in recent years staked a claim for a share of the county and its resources. The deputy governor’s post and a constituency seat went to the community.

The Ntutu camp has roped in Mr Ntutu’s brother and MP for Narok West Patrick Ntutu, Narok South MP Korei Lemein and Narok North MP Moitalel ole Kenta.

Mr Tunai enjoys support from all members of County Assembly as well as Narok East MP Lemanken Aramat, his Kilgoris counterpart Gideon Konchellah and Woman Representative Soipan Kudate.

Mr Tunai, the spy-turned-politician, surprised many when he wrested the leadership of the Maa community in the last election from the Purko, who have traditionally led the county.

Pundits say this is what irks the Purko leaders— most of whom are uncomfortable being led by a member of a minority clan.

MAASAI CLANS
Mr Tunai faced opposition when he attempted to hive off 700 acres of land belonging to the Purko clan, the Limanet Holding Ground, for expansion of Narok Township where he was accused of interfering with community trust land without consulting elders.

The anti-Tunai crusaders have been hiding their disdain for him in the various meetings and demonstrations that have been held in recent months.

Residents are now worried that squabbling has taken the centre stage for the last two years— pushing development agenda to the back burner.

Narok County is home to six Maasai clans: Purko, Keekonyokie, Ildamat, Uasin-Gishu, Siria and Moitanik.

Purko is the largest of all and has produced prominent leaders like Ntimamathe— the self-proclaimed community spokesperson, the late paramount chiefs Lerionka ole Ntutu (father of Senator Ntutu and MP Ntutu), and Kuntai ole Sankale.

ANTI-TUNAI CAMPAIGNS
The clan is also strategically placed, with the headquarters of the county being situated in its ancestral land.

On Tuesday, Mr Ntutu who is leading the Tunai-must-go calls, put the governor on notice, saying starting January 26, they will camp at his office until he steps down.

He accused Mr Tunai of excluding them in key decision making and favouring ‘outsiders’ in award of tenders and jobs.

He told a meeting at Ololung’a market that Mr Tunai had misused county funds. The meeting was attended by MPs Ntutu (Narok West), Johana Ng’eno (Emurua Dikirr), Moitalel ole Kenta (Narok North) and Korei Lemein (Narok South).

Political pundit David Lemiso said Mr Tunai reneged on an election pact in which some key positions in his government— including county secretary’s post— were to be reserved for the Purko clan.