Kajiado Governor Joseph Lenku takes over as Maa spokesperson after being being crowned by Maa council of elders to replace the late William Ole Ntimama.
The elders were drawn from the six counties where the Maasai live -Kajiado, Narok, Laikipia, Baringo, Nakuru and Samburu.
Lenkus coronation was held in Gilgil,the y said the choice of the governor was reached after an extensive search for a community spokesman following the death of Ntimama.
Led by the retired chairman of the Maa Council of Elders who has served for 30 years, John Salimanai Maitai of the Ilnyangusi age set, the elders bestowed on the governor a traditional leadership baton (Orinka) and two traditional fly whisks (Orkwatiti).
Clad in traditional regalia and sitting on a traditional stool (Olorika), the governor was crowned as a community spokesman after a four-year vacuum left by Ntimama in 2016.
Mzee Maitai said they chose Lenku to ensure the community has one centre of power.
Governor Lenku in his acceptance speech said he was surprised at the turn of events as he had not thought the elders would bestow on him such responsibility.
He however reiterated his intend to unify the Maasai community, advocate for formal education and rally the community against retrogressive culture including FGM and early marriages.
