Africa-Press – Kenya. Kajiado governor Joseph Ole Lenku on Tuesday displayed an emotional side of him that has not been witnessed publicly.
It happened when President William Ruto declared the handing over the management of Amboseli National Park to the Kajiado County Government.
Lenku was standing next to President Ruto as he was addressing the people of the Maasai community in Narok at Sekanani in the world-famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
As Ruto was speaking about how the Maasai gave the land that have been converted into national treasuries in the form of game parks, Governor Lenku become emotional with watery eyes.
“I’m satisfied because of the history of the Maasai culture that has assisted our country in the conservation of our nation especially on wildlife and conservation areas.
“United Nations has confirmed through Unesco that this community and our culture are a world resource that needs to be protected,” Ruto said
“The Maasai community gave the land that today is Maasai mara game reserve, Samburu game reserve and Amboseli national park. As Mwai Kibaki said that it should be managed by the county government of Kajiado, I confirm that it will be the case,” he added.
“The process will be between the Ministry of Tourism and the county government of Kajiado to oversee the process is made,” Ruto said.
It was at this point, that Governor Lenku took the blue cloth which he had carried on his left shoulder and wiped tears from his eyes.
EALA MP David Sankok who was standing next to Lenku moved to comfort him by back parting him.
President Ruto also directed that in counties where they host national parks, the revenue that comes from these resources should be shared equally between the county government and the national government.
“Once we have done that, the county administrations should make good use of these monies so that it can uplift the living standards of the people who played a great role in conserving the environment and wildlife,” said Ruto.
He revealed that the Maa cultural week will now be a national event and the national government will play a big role in the success of the event which will not be held annually.
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