Koitalel descendants mark 117th anniversary of legend's death

Sculpture of Koitalel Arap Samoei at National Library. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Preparations for the 117th anniversary of Nandi legend Orkoiyot Koitalel arap Samoei's assassination by British imperialists have been completed.

According to legend, the Talai clan, the community, the Nandi County administration, and descendants have all worked together to commemorate the freedom hero who advocated for justice before his alleged murder in 1905.

The ceremony will take place on the eve of Mashujaa Day at Koitalel's shrine in Nandi Hills, where the government built his mausoleum. The shrine is located between two massive Baobab trees (Simatwet), where the Orkoiyot is said to have been shot at the former Keetbarak village, now Nandi Hills.

The Talai clan, which is seeking compensation for alleged atrocities such as the loss of lives, property, and displacements, is also seeking compensation after British soldier Richard Meinhertzergent gunned down the legend during a peace truce.

Rev James Bassy of the Talai clan yesterday said the county administration is coordinating preparations with the community and the clan.

"Everything is in place for the event, and according to the county administration, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is expected to attend," Rev Bassy said. He said the event will be used to advocate for the equality of all marginalised groups across the country through adherence to the constitution.

"We, the Talai, have been marginalised since the colonial administration relocated us to Kapsisiywa. We have not received recognition through nomination slots to the National and County Assemblies. We are a minority, but we have received no appointments," Bassy said.

He urged the government to back the clan's claim for compensation from the British government.

David Sulo, a fourth-generation Koitalel descendant, said the British government should compensate and apologise to the clan for Koitalel's death. "We are requesting compensation from the British government for the displacement of the community from Ketbarak, present-day Nandi Hills, following Koitalel's murder alongside his cabinet (seers) by colonial imperialists," Sulo said.

Sulo, who also serves as chairman of the preparation committee, said they are in discussions with the Nandi county administration and the national government about inviting the British High Commissioner to the commemoration.

Koitalel was a Nandi seer who fought the colonial invasion of Nandi land for 11 years before being gunned down alongside his ministers. According to records obtained from Kipchoge arap Chomu, a Talai clan member and researcher, 120 families were relocated to Kapsisiywa in November 1919.