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Maasai mourners to wear traditional red shukas at Ntimama’s burial


Maasai mourners planning to attend the late veteran politician and former Cabinet Minister William Ole Ntimama’s burial have been requested to don red shukas on his burial day next Wednesday as a sign of respect and to accord him a heroic send off as a respected community leader.

The Narok funeral committee handling the burial preparations has appealed to members of the community planning to attend the burial on Wednesday at Mr Ntimama’s Mutonyi home to adhere to the dress cord.

Committee chairman, Mr Moses Kitamoni, said the committee has already sent an appeal to Maasais in Samburu, Kajiado, Laikipia and Narok to don Maasai shukas as a symbol of unity in the community in respect of the fallen hero.

“We consider the late Ntimama as the community spokesman. We want to send him off in style, as a show of his acts in uniting the community. Our dress cord will be a symbol of unity,” Mr Kitamoni explained.

He spoke after receiving members of the Narok County Assembly led by the County Speaker Mr Nick Kamwaro, county chief executive officers, chief officers and county government employees.

The committee has asked politicians and other leaders who will be accorded a chance to speak at the funeral to avoid partisan politics.

“We have set the theme of the burial and it will be peace and unity among leaders, and no politics,” said Mr Kitamoni.

EXPECTED GUESTS

His sentiments were echoed by the assembly Speaker and MCAs led by Majority Leader Wilson ole Masikonte.

The late Ntimama’s son Mr Tempes Ntimama works as chief officer for Infrastructure in the county government.

A prayer service will be held at the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on Tuesday before the late Ntimama is buried at his Motonyi home on Wednesday.

The Maasai communities in Kenya and Tanzania have pledged to foot the funeral expenses of the late politician who was considered a fierce defender of the community’s rights.

At least 100 bulls and 700 heads of sheep and goats will be slaughtered during the funeral. Already 300 sheep and and 54 bulls have been delivered to the home.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, who had met Mr Ntimama and other Maasai leaders barely a month before he died, is expected to lead high ranking Kenyan government officials and politicians to the burial ceremony.

Prominent leaders from East Africa, including former Tanzania Prime Minister Edward Lowassa are also expected to attend the burial.