Minority communities in Laikipia County have declared their support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid while presenting a raft of recommendations to the Executive Office of the President aimed at strengthening inclusion, political representation, equitable development and the protection of minority rights.
Leaders drawn from the Pokot, Yaaku, Keiyo, Endorois, Turkana, Samburu, Maasai and members of the KAMATUSA peace initiative said they had resolved to unite behind President Ruto’s administration while working collectively to advance the interests of minority communities in the county.
The leaders said they support President Ruto’s constitutional right to seek a second term and pledged to mobilize members of their communities to back his re-election in the 2027 General Election.
At the same time, they urged both the national and county governments to guarantee equal opportunities for all communities regardless of their population size, saying minority groups have for years faced exclusion in leadership, public service and development despite playing a critical role in the county.
Among the key recommendations presented was the renaming of Kirima Sub-County to either Laikipia South or Ol Moran, with the leaders arguing that the current name does not adequately reflect the identity and aspirations of the people living in the area.
Speaking on behalf of the Pokot community, Mzee Tokom Lopan said the proposed name change would give residents a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
“Renaming Kirima Sub-County to either Laikipia South or Ol Moran is about giving our people an identity that reflects who we are. We believe this change will strengthen our sense of belonging and recognition.” He said.
The leaders also demanded greater political representation, proposing that minority communities be considered for the positions of Deputy Governor, Woman Representative and Speaker of the Laikipia County Assembly.
Former Laikipia North Councillor Samson Ntinai Monto said minority communities deserve a place at the decision-making table.
“Minority communities deserve fair political representation. We are asking for leadership opportunities because we are part of this county and our voices should be reflected in decision-making at every level.” He said.
The meeting resolved that minority communities should unite and front a common candidate for the Deputy Governor’s position to enhance their bargaining power ahead of the next General Election.
The communities also called for additional polling stations across Laikipia North Constituency to improve access to voting for pastoralist communities and pledged to mobilize eligible residents to register as voters in large numbers.
The leaders further recommended the creation of additional electoral wards, particularly in Laikipia North Constituency, saying the move would increase the chances of minority communities electing leaders of their choice. Some delegates also proposed that part of southern Laikipia be excised and incorporated into neighbouring Baringo County.
They also appealed to the national government to allow pastoralist communities controlled access to graze their livestock in the Mt. Kenya Forest during periods of prolonged drought, saying the move would cushion them against massive livestock losses caused by dwindling pasture.
In addition, they urged the national government to collaborate with the Laikipia County Government to reopen all closed livestock holding grounds across the county, arguing that the facilities are essential for livestock management, reducing conflicts among pastoralist communities and strengthening the livestock economy.
The leaders maintained that while they were seeking access to Mt. Kenya Forest for grazing purposes, they did not wish Laikipia to be politically associated with the Mt. Kenya region. They reiterated that, in their view, Laikipia belongs to the Rift Valley region and that their request for grazing rights was purely intended to safeguard the livelihoods of pastoralist communities during periods of drought.
The leaders also noted that although Laikipia County is home to several minority communities, Laikipia North Constituency presents a unique demographic situation. They recalled that during the launch of the Laikipia Minority Cultural Festival earlier this year, it was observed that although the Kikuyu community is generally perceived as part of the county’s larger population, those residing in Laikipia North live among diverse pastoralist and minority communities and, within that constituency, also constitute a minority.
They argued that, in the spirit of inclusivity and balanced representation, the Kikuyu community living peacefully alongside other communities should equally have its voice heard in matters of leadership, resource allocation and development.
The minority communities further appealed for more employment opportunities for qualified youth and professionals in both the county and national governments. They also called for greater inclusion of educated members of minority communities in county government employment and other public service opportunities.
Representing the youth and professionals, King David Towett said qualified young people from minority communities should not continue to miss employment opportunities.
“Our youth are educated and qualified. We are asking both the county and national governments to give them equal opportunities for employment so that they can contribute to the development of our country instead of remaining unemployed.” Towett said.
The Muslim community also accused the Laikipia County Government under Governor Joshua Irungu of sidelining them in the management of county abattoirs, saying the exclusion has prevented them from observing Islamic requirements relating to the slaughter of animals.
The meeting also resolved to intensify efforts to eradicate cattle rustling, saying insecurity has continued to undermine development, investment and peaceful coexistence in the region.
Representing the KAMATUSA Peace Group, David Chesang urged communities to embrace peace and unity.
“Peace and unity are the foundation of development. We must reject cattle rustling and embrace peaceful coexistence because our future depends on living together as one people despite our different communities.”
The leaders maintained that Laikipia is home to diverse communities and should not be defined or governed by the interests of a single ethnic group, emphasizing that every Kenyan deserves equal treatment under the Constitution.
Representatives of the Yaaku community said they would continue mobilizing their members despite being among the county’s smallest communities.
Stephen Pokisa said:
“Although the Yaaku community has very few members, we will continue mobilizing our people to participate in leadership and development. We may be few in number, but our voice and our heritage matter.”
His counterpart, Jennifer Koinante, said the community would continue investing in education and civic participation.
“We will continue encouraging our community to stand together, educate our children and participate actively in public affairs so that the Yaaku community is not left behind.”
Representing the Keiyo community in Marmanet Ward, Jane Koskei called on women to take a leading role in championing development and implementing the resolutions adopted during the meeting.
“Women must take their rightful place in championing development. We will mobilize women across our communities to support these resolutions because development succeeds when women are fully involved.”
On education, John Bosco, representing the Turkana community in Laikipia West, said every child from minority communities deserves equal access to education.
“No child from our communities should miss education because of neglect. We want every child in every minority community to have access to education and equal opportunities so that no one is left behind.”
Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Josphat Lowoi Lodeya (OGW), Director and Head of the Minorities and Marginalized Affairs Unit in the Executive Office of the President, said the Constitution guarantees equal rights for every Kenyan and that the government remains committed to ensuring minority and marginalized communities are fully integrated into national development.
“The Constitution guarantees equal rights for every Kenyan. Our office is committed to ensuring that minority and marginalized communities are recognized, included in national development and given equal opportunities to participate in governance.”
He explained that the Minorities and Marginalized Affairs Unit coordinates government efforts to identify ethnic minority communities, develop policy and legal frameworks and implement Article 56 of the Constitution, which provides for affirmative action and the protection of minority and marginalized communities.
Lowoi said the unit works with government institutions and other stakeholders to ensure minority communities have equitable access to public services, education, employment, leadership opportunities and development programmes while safeguarding their cultural identity and promoting national cohesion.
He challenged the communities to remain united if they hope to secure meaningful political, social and economic gains.
“Unity is your greatest strength. If you remain united, you will have a stronger voice in negotiating for leadership, development and government opportunities. When you speak with one voice, no one can ignore your concerns.”
The leaders concluded by urging both the national and county governments, as well as larger communities in Laikipia, to embrace inclusivity, equitable sharing of opportunities and respect for diversity, saying sustainable development and lasting peace can only be achieved when every community feels recognized, represented and respected.ENDS.
