The Maa Council of Elders has installed Kajiado Governor Joseph Lenku as new Maasai community spokesman to replace the late William Ole Ntimama.
In a rare coronation ceremony, the elders drawn from the six counties where the Maasai live -Kajiado, Narok, Laikipia, Baringo, Nakuru and Samburu — met at Gilgil, saying the choice of the governor was reached after an extensive search for a community spokesman following the death of Ntimama.
Led by the retired chairman of the Maa Council of Elders who has served for 30 years, John Salimanai Maitai of the Ilnyangusi age set, the elders bestowed on the governor a traditional leadership baton (Orinka) and two traditional fly whisks (Orkwatiti).
Clad in traditional hide outfits and sitting on a traditional stool (Olorika), the governor was installed as a community spokesman after a four-year vacuum left by Ntimama in 2016.
Mzee Maitai said they chose Lenku to ensure the community has one centre of power.
Accepting the new role, Governor Lenku said he was surprised at the turn of events as he had not thought the elders would bestow on him such responsibility.
He however reiterated his commitment to unite the Maasai community, advocate for formal education and rally the community against retrogressive culture including FGM and early marriages.
