Ntimama headed to Uhuru party

Former Narok North MP William ole Ntimama has hinted that he will quit the Orange Democratic Movement for The National Alliance, regretting his decision not to support President Uhuru Kenyatta during campaigns.

Although he would not go into details, Mr Ntimama cited the appointment of two Maasais to the positions of principal secretary in reference to Joseph Tiampati (ICT) and John Konchellah (Devolution and Planning) as some of the reasons he would be joining TNA.

“The Maasai have been in the cold for more than 10 years, but we are already benefiting from the Kenyatta administration; we are grateful,” said Mr Ntimama.

Speaking in Olokurto village, Narok North constituency last week during the homecoming ceremony for Mr Tiampati, Mr Ntimama said many of his supporters have urged him to join Jubilee.

“Kama watu wanataka tuungane na Uhuru, mimi ni nani nikatae? Sharti tufanye watakalo wananchi.” (If people want us to work with Uhuru, then who am I to refuse? We must do what the people ask us to do,” he said.

In a move welcomed by his Narok North constituents, Mr Ntimama said supporting Mr Odinga had cost him the chance to serve Kenyans with his “longtime friend” President Kenyatta.

Meet the President

Mr Ntimama, former assistant minister John Keen, and former TLB boss Hassan ole Kamwaro are scheduled to meet the President on Tuesday.

Kajiado North MP Moses ole Sakuda last week announced the visit was meant to find the way forward for the Maa and explore ways of working together.

But speaking on phone, Mr Kamwaro said the visit is a Narok County affair and faulted the making of the announcement when the appointment has not been confirmed.

“Yes, elders will visit State House on Tuesday, but let’s talk about the agenda of the meeting afterwards,” he said.

In the 2013 General Election, Mr Ntimama, known for his abrasive manner, campaigned for Cord presidential candidate Raila Odinga and dismissed the Jubilee leaders as people who could not lead Kenya.

Mr Ntimama, a self-proclaimed Maasai spokesperson for the past 22 years, served as Narok North MP from 1988 to 2013.
“We have supported the Cord leader in his two attempts at the presidency, but we seem not to be reaping the fruits of our loyalty, even when Mr Raila was the Prime Minister,” he said.

Mr Ntimama also said he was aware of the planned State House visit but would not indicate whether that would be when he would move to TNA, saying: “I will make the announcement at a proper time.”

Six-constituency Narok County is dominated by the United Republican Party (four MPs) with TNA and Kenya National Congress sharing the remaining two. There is no ODM MP.