Maasai leaders announce support for new Jubilee Party

Former Cabinet minister William ole Ntimama on Tuesday led leaders from Narok and Laikipia counties to announces that they are prepared to join the Jubilee Party.

The leaders, including Narok Senator Stephen ole Ntutu, Laikipia East MP Mathew Lempurkel and Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno, said their announcement is a culmination of discussions within the Maasai community.

“We Maasais have spoken and we have decided to support you and join Jubilee,” said Mr Ntimama, adding that he would visit all regions with Maa-speaking people in the country to rally support for Jubilee.

President Kenyatta said the Maasai leaders' decision was welcomed as it strengthens the plan to unite all Kenyans.

“We want to create parties that are national and not those that compete on tribal issues,” the President said.

He reiterated that nominations in the new party would be guided by democracy.

“It is the people who will decide who will represent them. If you want to become an MP or MCA it’s the people who will make that decision,” said President Kenyatta.

The President said all aspiring candidates who plan to contest on the Jubilee Party ticket would be treated equally.

Mr Lempurkel said the Maasai leaders' announcement followed lengthy discussions within the community on the political direction they want to take.

“The Maasai have spoken. My people have said the right time has come for us to join the new party,” said the Laikipia East MP.