This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga skipped the Mau issue at the burial of Hassan ole Kamwaro in Olngenjemi village, Narok North Sub-county, instead addressing historical injustices suffered by the Maasai community.
On September 28, 2019, leaders at the burial of former Transport and Licensing board Chairman Hassan ole Kamwaro in Narok North Sub-county voiced their support for the restoration of the Mau water tower. The burial took place in Olngenjemi village.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga spoke about historical injustices suffered by the Maasai community, including the loss of land to other communities and the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) which he said would bring about changes in the country’s leadership system.
Mr Odinga argued that a parliamentary presidential system would not only tame an imperial presidency but also create institutions that work for the country while giving members of minority groups opportunities to rise to power.
“A parliamentary system is viewed as a better way to raise the majority threshold in a country where tribes view each other with suspicion in the race for power,” said Raila.
However, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry Keriako Tobiko reiterated the government's commitment to restoring the Mau water tower, stating that 50 percent of the settlers had already moved out.
He said those attacking him for carrying out the government’s directive were wasting their time.
Former Deputy President Kalonzo Musyoka, Kajiado governor Joseph Ole Lenku, senators James Orengo, Mutula Kilonzo Junior, MPs Junet Muhammed (Suna East) waihenya Ndirangu (Raousambu), Patrick Makau (Mwavoko), Moitalel Ole Kenta (Narok North), Nominated MP David Ole Sankok and local leaders present at the burial supported the ongoing evictions and defended CS Tobiko’s move to restore the Mau.
The Government has given the Mau settlers up to October 3, 2019, to move out of the water tower.
