President Kenyatta, Raila lead country in mourning Ntimama

President Uhuru Kenyatta has eulogized the late William Ole Ntimama as a great leader who devoted the prime years of his life to the service of our nation.

In a statement, President Kenyatta noted that Ntimama’s unwavering loyalty and service is exemplary and self-evident.

“His devotion to our national cause and values will forever remain etched in our minds. Indeed, Kenyans will always be grateful for the crucial role Hon. Ntimama particularly played in our independence struggle,” said the Head of State.

In his message of condolence and encouragement, President Kenyatta said to everyone who knew and had the opportunity to interact with him, he was a person of enormous influence and outstanding ability.

“Ntimama’s outstanding service as a Cabinet Minister and his sterling performance as the Member of Parliament for Narok North and an elder of the Maa community will also remain a source of inspiration and motivation to many aspiring leaders.”

“His wise counsel and guidance will, indeed, be missed by many. As we mourn and pay homage to this visionary leader, let us also celebrate his life and achievements. Although Hon. Ntimama has left us, his inspirational life will remain a great legacy to his family and many others who knew him. We are privileged that he lived amongst us and we thank God for the time we shared with him,” added President Kenyatta.

CORD Leader Raila Odinga lauded Ntimama as  ‘an untiring advocate for the rights of indigenous communities who have been trampled on from the colonial times, through post-colonial Kenya to date.’

In his message, Odinga noted that the late leader was particularly passionate about the uplifting of his long deprived Maasai community and the community’s land rights.

“Hon Ntimama was particularly passionate about the uplifting of his long deprived Maasai community and the community’s land rights. His passion for the welfare of the Maa in particular and other pastoral communities in general turned him into a strong champion of environmental conservation. He understood that environment is life not only for pastoralists but for all humanity,” read the statement by Odinga.

“His death deprives the country of a critical voice on critical issues that the nation ought to confront. We have lost a forward looking man who, despite his advancing age and failing health, always believed that better days lay ahead.I have lost a personal and honest friend in his death.”

Kajiado South MP, Katooole Metito, noted that the loss of Ntimama was a painful loss to the Maa community.

“Though he has died a natural death, we have lost a father who has served this country selfishly and tirelessly throughout his entire public life. We cherish his dedication and determination in championing for the Maa political and land rights. It is a commitment that those of us who benefited from Mzee Ntimama wise counsel will endeavour to always fulfil. May he rest in eternal peace,” read a message from the MP.

Ntimama died at his Narok home Thursday night.

According to Narok Police boss, Abdi Galgalo, the family says he died of natural causes and his body has been transported to Nairobi.

He was 86 years old.