Ntimama takes on PC at Mpoe's burial

By KARANJA NJOROGE

Cabinet Minister William ole Ntimama led Maasai leaders in denouncing the killing of land rights activist Moses ole Mpoe, who was buried in an emotional ceremony at Oloropil, Narok, on Thursday.

During the burial, the leaders vowed to oppose the planned resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons in Mau Narok.

Ntimama accused the Provincial Administration in Rift Valley of intimidating residents opposed to the resettlement saying the community would not be cowed.

- Maasai Leaders conduct a ritual at the Muthera farm in Mau Narok. Heritage Minister William ole Ntimama (in red) was among them

Ntimama and Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas asked the Government to get to the root of Mpoe’s killing and arrest all those responsible. Ntimama said there are rumours that some influential personalities involved in the murder had not been arrested.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Riggy-G picked on Media and Raila, failed to see where his waterloo would come from
• 
  Court bars Olopito Ranch officials from land interference
• 
  How unique school is changing the livelihoods of Maasai youth
• 
  Women brave abuse, neglect in Tana River IDP camps

"We understand that there are some big people behind the killing who have not been arrested. We are demanding that all those involved be arrested their position in the society notwithstanding," he said. The community leaders made a scathing attack on the Rift Valley PC Osman Warfa following his recent statement that the planned resettlement of IDPs at a neighbouring farm formerly owned by a white farmer would go on.

"The day when PC’s issued orders from above are long gone. The PC should not provoke people," Ntimama said.

But in a quick rejoinder, Warfa said the resettlement of IDPs in Narok would continue as scheduled.

"It is the Government’s policy to resettle landless people and if the leaders feel that something is wrong with the exercise they consult with Government," said the administrator.

But Ntimama said the community had suffered great injustices since the colonial times with most of their land being taken by outsiders.

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing.