The leaders called for peaceful political engagement, urging politicians to avoid divisive rhetoric and instead focus on development and service delivery

Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu speaks during a Maa declaration meeting at Olopito, Narok North subcounty /HANDOUT

Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu and former Geothermal Development Company (GDC) managing director Johnson ole Nchoe have urged the Maasai community to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid, citing land reforms, infrastructure projects and increased access to government services under the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The two leaders said the government had made progress in addressing longstanding concerns affecting the Maa community, arguing that its development record should feature prominently in political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during a Maa declaration meeting at Olopito in Narok North, Ntutu cited the handover of the Mau Forest title deed to the Narok government, the transfer of Amboseli National Park management to Kajiado county and the creation of Ilchamus subcounty in Baringo as key interventions.

“The issues that have affected our community for many years are gradually being addressed. We must recognise the efforts being made by the government, particularly on land ownership, conservation and infrastructure development,” Ntutu said.

He pointed to President Ruto’s May 2025 decision to hand over the Mau Forest title deed to the Narok government, describing it as a significant step in addressing longstanding disputes over the management of the water tower.

Ntutu said plans were also underway to fence sections of the forest to strengthen conservation and prevent further encroachment.

Former Geothermal Development Company (GDC) managing director Johnson ole Nchoe /HANDOUT

He further cited the issuance of more than 9,000 title deeds to residents of Narok, including beneficiaries in Olderkesi and Oloonkolin, as part of efforts to resolve historical land ownership challenges.

On conservation, the governor said the transfer of Amboseli National Park management functions to Kajiado county would give the devolved government a greater role in managing tourism resources and benefiting from the park.

He also welcomed the creation of Ilchamus subcounty, headquartered at Mukutani, saying it would bring government services closer to the minority community in Baringo.

“We want development to reach every community. The creation of administrative units and investment in infrastructure are important steps towards ensuring that no community is left behind,” he said.

On infrastructure, Ntutu said the government had committed to building 70 kilometres of roads in every subcounty across Maa-dominated counties, a move he said would improve connectivity and open up economic opportunities.

He also highlighted the Sh1.4 billion Narok International Airport project at Ewaso Nyiro, which is being jointly funded by the national and county governments, each contributing Sh700 million.

The facility is expected to improve access to the Maasai Mara and support tourism and air transport operations.

Ntutu further cited the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha towards Kisumu and Malaba, saying it would enhance regional connectivity and facilitate the movement of goods and people.

Nchoe urged the Maasai community to acknowledge the government's interventions and support Ruto's bid for a second term.

“President William Ruto has demonstrated commitment to addressing issues affecting the Maa community. We should look at the development initiatives and give him another chance in 2027,” Nchoe said.

The meeting also saw Ntutu receive blessings from Maasai elders led by National Chairman of the Maasai Council of Elders Kelena ole Nchoe.

They said political competition should not undermine relations between communities, calling on leaders to prioritise the interests of residents as the country approaches the next general election.