Nairobi: The Maa community has pledged to support the re-election of President William Ruto, citing what they described as his fulfillment of key pledges made to the community. Led by governors from the three Maasai-speaking counties, the leaders stated that the Ruto Administration has delivered priority projects and reforms that have directly benefited the Maa community.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku thanked the President for handing over the management of Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County, a demand the community had presented to four previous administrations without success. Ole Lenku expressed gratitude to President Ruto, acknowledging the courage it took to address this historical issue and pledged support for Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
He further acknowledged the removal of additional vetting procedures that had previously complicated the process for residents of border counties to acquire national identity cards, thus enabling them to exercise their rights in upcoming elections.
Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu praised the President for a strong development record in the Maa counties. He highlighted the launch of 150 kilometres of tarmacked roads, the establishment of an international airport, the Narok Level 4 Hospital, and employment opportunities for community members. Ntutu urged the Maa community to maintain unity to strengthen their influence in national politics.
Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelit echoed the sentiments of his counterparts, urging the community to stand firmly behind President Ruto. Kajiado Senator Samuel Seki also praised the President for returning Amboseli National Park to the County and endorsed his bid for a second term.
Maa Members of Parliament present at the event committed to rallying behind the President. President Ruto presided over the official handover of Amboseli National Park during the Maa Cultural Festival, where he was crowned a Maasai Elder by community elders led by Mzee Richard Oloitiptip. Beyond the park handover, the President pledged to establish a Tourism Training Institution in Amboseli, Kajiado South, and promised to set up Ushanga hubs across the County, supporting 47 women beadwork groups with Sh 500,000 each.
