From left: President William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

📋 Breaking It Down

The battle for the Maa vote is intensifying ahead of the 2027 General Election, with President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua among political leaders seeking to win over the pastoralist community.

Maasai dominate Kajiado, Narok and Samburu counties and have a significant presence in parts of Laikipia County.

The community dominates Laikipia North Constituency and also has a considerable presence in Laikipia West and Laikipia East.

📌 What You Need to Know

For years, Maa politics was largely shaped by veteran politician William Ole Ntimama, who died on September 1, 2016.

Following the death of the former Cabinet minister, the region remained largely aligned with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose death in October last year left a vacuum that various political players are now seeking to fill.

Read:  Sh200,000 per family: Ruto moves to settle 2022 Mau evictees poll pledge

The void has attracted leaders from across the political divide who want to have a say in the region just like the late Mr Ntimama and Mr Odinga.

No leader from the community has fit into the shoes of both Mr Odinga and Mr Ntimama, and attempts by Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina to establish himself as the region kingpin are slowly dying away.

The Ntutu family, where current Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu and Narok South MP Kitilai Ole Ntutu come from, has also seen their influence in the Maa region continue to wane

📰 Source: Nation Africa