The battle to control the Sh100 billion communal land in Kibiko Ngong in Kajiado county intensified last week after three elections were held by two warring factions in a week.

On  June 4, the two factions held parallel  elections with each group endorsing their preferred candidate as the new chairman of the Keekonyokie Community Trust Land which comprises 16,000 members. One wing  declared the long-serving chairman Moses Parantai as the winner while the other group declared  Moses Monik as chair.

However, the Monik  led team held another election on Friday as per the gazette notice published on local dailies slating the  Annual General Meeting  and polls to be held on June 7.

Verification of members’ names in the register was conducted before a member was allowed to vote.The peaceful exercise took place between 8am to 4pm when the returning officer declared Monik as the chairperson.

Court directives

“We previously endorsed Monik as our preferred chairperson and today we have conducted elections according to the court directives and according to the slated date advertised in local dailies. Only registered members have been allowed to vote,” said John Kiok

The Iseuri elders (aged between 85-95 years) and a team of clergy who witnessed the polls blessed Monik and his committee members in a unique ceremony which involved both traditional and religious ceremonies.

“I am delighted that we have managed to adhere to the court directive and conducted a free and fair election. I will be a chairman of every member of Keekonyokie Community and not those who elected me. My clarion call is to ensure justice for all. Those who did not vote for me should not feel less entitled to their right on the basis on how they exercised their right. I will unite all members as we forge ahead as one people, “Monik said in his acceptance speech.

New Trustees

An Environment and Land court sitting in Kajiado had issued a ruling, on April 4, calling for the Keekonyokie Community Trust to elect new trustees within 90 days. The legitimate chair will oversee the subdivision of the prime 2,800 acres making the position key in the much anticipated transition process which have since been agreed by all.

With two contestants now both claiming the chairperson position, the next cause of action remains unknown as eager members’ dream to own individual title deeds hangs in the balance.