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‘Public holiday’ in Narok as Ntimama is buried


Wednesday has been declared a public holiday in Narok County as former Cabinet Minister William ole Ntimama is laid to rest.

The county secretary Mr Lenku Seki issued a statement to the press stating that the day will be a public holiday in honour of the late Ntimama.

“As a sign of respect, H. E. the Governor has declared 14th September, 2016 as a County holiday to enable all the staff join the rest of the Nation bereave with the family,” the statement read in part.

On Monday Maasai elders performed a traditional rituals at the home of the former Cabinet Minister ahead of his  burial.

The ceremony took place at Mr Ntimama’s Motonyi home in Narok, where he will be buried.

The elders from his Ilnyangusi and Iseuri age groups, led by Mzee Lekwale ole Sadera, slaughtered a special bull for the ritual, which holds great traditional significance among the Maasai.

BURIAL CEREMONY

According to the elders, rituals are commonly conducted for community elders who die at the age of 70 years and above.

“In the Maasai culture, a big ‘sacred bull’ that is spotless — black in most cases — is picked from the family’s herd and slaughtered, an indication that the head of the family has died. The slaughtering of a bull is a symbol of blessings,” said Mr Joseph Maranga, an elder.

Preparations for Wednesday’s burial ceremony of the late veteran politician have been finalised at his home, with over 50,000 mourners expected to attend.

Tents, with a sitting capacity of 28,000 guests, have been put up. 3,000 VIPs are expected to attend the burial service while only close members of Mr Ntimama’s family and state officials will be allowed at the burial site.

Ntimama passed away at his Narok home on September 1.