The National Council of Elders from the Ogiek Community has faulted a section of political leaders for purporting to talk on behalf of the community.
Addressing Journalists in Nakuru Town on Tuesday August 27, 2024, the elders led by Chairman John Sironga slammed a former civic leader for speaking on behalf of the Ogiek Community without the Elders’ know how.
According to Sironga, the said leader made the remarks concerning Ogiek Community during the one year Anniversary since the death of Njoro MP Charity Kathambi’s husband Mr.Chepkwony.
Sironga added that as elders they are surprised that the former civic leader spoke at the meeting that was also attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and claimed that all the communities living in Njoro are at peace after coming to understanding.
The elders are also perturbed that the issue of caveate came up during the meeting with claims that the Ogiek Community had agreed on the way forward on the removal of the same, an issue the elders have distanced themselves.
Sironga wondered why political class were busy engaging on the issue of caveate yet the biggest issue at hand is full implementation of the Arusha Landmark Court ruling that recognized Ogiek Peoples’ rights.
He called on Njoro MP Charity Kathambi and other leaders to stop talking about the caveate issue, but rather advise the President to implement the Landmark ruling.
“The issues of Ogiek Community can only be handled through the Council of Elders. We are shocked that a former civic leader is going public and speaking as if representing our voice, yet we were not consulted as elders. Our stand has been simple; let Government of Kenya implement the recommendation of Arusha Landmark Court ruling,” stated Sironga.
The Council of Elders are now vowing to consult before taking stern action against the former civic leader.
Similar sentiments echoed by Mr.Kipchole Lele who serves as Secretary Ogiek Council of Elders.
He noted that since the Landmark ruling that recognized Ogiek Peoples’ rights, the cry has been implementation of the ruling.
The elder called for a need for a meeting between Government and the community.
While noting that they will not relent in the push for their rights, he urged political class to keep off politicizing the issue.
“As a Council, we are calling for peaceful existence and urge the government to ensure they implement the Landmark court ruling and help our people who were evicted from areas such as Sasimwani,” he said.
Alice Jeruto representing Ogiek women from all the 6 counties where Ogiek Peoples’ are found noted that Government’s failure to implement the Landmark Court ruling has continued to negatively impact on women from the community.
