Maasai community endorse Raila in another 'Suswa declaration'

Azimio la Umoja Coalition flag bearer Raila Odinga accompanied by his running mate Martha Karua in Suswa, Narok County on July 30, 2022. [Emmanuel Wanson, Standard]

Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition Presidential candidate Raila Odinga yesterday received the blessings of Maa communities at the Fifth Suswa Declaration in Suswa, Narok County.

Elders led by Narok Maasai Council of Elders chairperson Keleina Ole Nchoe declared their support for Raila expressing faith that he will solve their land problem.

"Land has been our main problem. We shall not elect a leader who has a high appetite for amassing land. As a community, we have made a resolve to rally behind you as a block," said Ole Nchoe.

Ole Nchoe cited Raila's selfless fight to protect the Maasai Mau forest from human encroachment as one of the legacies that the Maa communities already hold him in high esteem for.

"You and President Uhuru Kenyatta saved the Mau Forest. The crocodiles we found in River Jordan have been removed. We shall now get to Canaan safely. You will win this race," he said.

Yesterday's event was attended by elders and members of the communities drawn from Samburu, Laikipia, Narok, Kajiado, Marsabit, Nairobi and Nakuru counties.

"Today's meeting is very special. It was called by Maa elders two months ago. I am grateful to them and the community for your blessings and support in our bid for presidency," said Raila.

Raila promised to address the challenges facing the communities in the various counties saying that many of the members lost their lives while protecting their land against colonialists.

"I am committed to solving your problems with finality. This community-owned the largest parcels of land. An issue like Kedong ranch is very small to me. I promise to solve it," said Raila.

The ODM leader added that he will protect the Mau Forest, Amboseli National Park and Maasai Mara Game Reserve to benefit the local community more as a local resource.

"I will ensure the revenue generated from these two facilities benefit the communities living around them before anyone else. Those trying to grab part of them should be warned," he said.

Raila added that his administration will establish water projects, slaughterhouses, meat processing and tanning factories to give the residents maximum returns from their socio-economic activities.

"I am making these promises before your elders. My government shall serve you. The railway that stopped in Naivasha will resume through Narok, Nyamira, Kisumu to Kampala," he said.

His running mate Martha Karua lauded the elders saying that with their blessings, they are assured of effectively running the Government once given the mandate by them and other Kenyans.

"Without protecting our resources we can't grow as a country. We must protect our lands, forests, and most importantly public money to allow effective service delivery," said Karua.

She warned the community against electing corrupt leaders saying that such persons will deny them services they are entitled to.

"Some people are almost exploding with anger. If elected, they will act in a manner we will all regret. Kenya needs a mature leader. Let us give them time to cool their anger," said Karua.

Former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka lashed out at Deputy President William Ruto over his alleged claims that he (Kalonzo) was on his way out of Azimio during a rally in Mwingi.

"Ruto stop pretending to be my lawyer. You told President Kenyatta to leave you alone, am also telling you to leave Kalonzo alone," said Kalonzo.

Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku said that they will deliver a majority of the Maa votes to Raila on the August 9 polls.

"We are on holy ground and what we have declared today shall not be reversed. Raila understands the challenges we have in land, employment, water and will solve them for us," said Lenku.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko said the Maa community will vote as a block in favour of Raila.

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