President Uhuru Kenyatta has decided to establish his own political network in Maasai politics.
In 2013, TNA-URP political strategy, Maasailand was left in the hands of William Ruto to control. As a result of the deal, TNA was not allowed to field candidates in the region which was perceived to be under the control of URP.
Upon getting to power, efforts by Uhuru due to zoning regions, has been unable to penetrate Maasailand. At one time, defections of William Ntimama and his allies to TNA were blocked by Ruto URP wing. Fear being, if allowed, it was bound to create two centres of power in local politics. Another worry was URP was to lose to TNA since it had the backing of first time politicians and not seasoned ones like Ntimama.
In Maasai politics, Ruto pointman has been Narok governor Samuel Tunai. Tunai has since occupying the plum office engaged in political wars with Senator Ole Ntutu, legislators Patrick Ntutu of Narok South, Moitelel Kenta, Narok North, Johana Ng’eno, Umurwadikir, and the old man Ntimama.
As Maasai politics has been boiling, Uhuru has on several occasions stepped in by hosting the anti-Tunai forces at State House. Uhuru even at one time had his chief of staff Joseph Kinyua and cabinet secretary in charge of security Joseph Nkaissery try to strike a truce.
The move backfired and demonstrations were held against the governor leading to deaths and arrest of politicians behind the demonstrations. Tunai critics say he has mismanaged the county funds, engage in corrupt deals and nepotism.
Insiders say that the Narok politics spilled over to Kajiado Central by-election which saw a Jap candidate lose to ODM allied candidate.
Uhuru candidate’s defeat in Kajiado was a wake-up call ahead of 2017 elections when he plans to defend the top seat.
To make inroads in Maasai politics, during the recent parastatals appointments that has generated a lot of heat, he decided to reach out to a camp not allied to URP critics of Tunai.
Those appointed are former minister Julius Sunkuli and his brother Andrew Sunkuli. The two have since buried their political hatchet after they fought for the Senate seat in Narok in 2013 elections.
Julius Sunkuli is a member of Industrial and Commercial Development board while his brother Andrew is occupies a slot at lake Victoria South Water Services Board.
Nkoitoi, a teacher by profession and who run against Tunai was also rewarded. He is a member of Bomas of Kenya board.
That Uhuru is creating a second force outside URP in Maasai politics is also manifested when he appointed Joseph Tiampati as principal secretary. He was second to Tunai during the 2013 elections.
He also named John Konchella principal secretary East African Cooperation and Tourism. He was moved from devolution.
Insiders aver Konchella transfer had to do with countering Tunai activities in Narok rich tourist site, and cabinet secretary Phylis Kandie allied to URP.
To penetrate the Ntimama family, Uhuru appointed Leah Ntimama, the daughter of Ntimama to the board of Water Services Regulatory Board.
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