The Mt.Elgon Ogiek certified as a Kenyan society
By Isabella Maua
The Ogiek Ndorobo community are now officially recognized as a registered society in Kenya after receiving their certificate from Registrar of Societies in a colourful event on Saturday at Chepyuk.
While receiving the long fought for certificate, Cheprot Takur, the chairperson Council of Elders expressed his satisfaction to bring to realization the dream of one day being a fully fledged community.
“It’s been a painful and daunting task yet very fruitful after a lot of pull and push with the neighbouring communities and government but at last we can proudly stand authoritatively and confidently air our views regarding social, political and developmental matters around us,” noted Takur.
According to the council of Elders who fully graced the occasion from across Mt. Elgon(both Kenya and Uganda) it was through Chepkitale Indigenous people Development Program that their long-time dream has been contextualized.
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“We’ve never had even a location of our own since independence but now we have a chief and we’re very grateful since we’ve been following up this certificate since 2009 with the help of CIDP,” disclosed Takur.
Echoing their sentiments was Martin Simotwo, director CIPDP who revealed that the journey has been extremely tedious and perilous but worth it.
“We’re done with the toughest part now we shall assist the elders to get an office, have their secretariats and get fundings to support development in the community as we embrace unity of purpose,” Simotwo commented.
He further divulged that the certificate is a symbol of unity since it has brought together elders from across all sub tribes of Mt. Elgon.
“We’re grateful for all elders present here to show solidarity and we as NGO have assisted in the process of coming up with their constitution, we shall continue supporting them especially in conserving our culture,” Simotwo reiterated.
Champton Wachira, DCC Kopsiro who symbolically handed over the certificate to the indigenous Ogiek community urged them to conserve beneficial traditions and do away with derailing practices which bring poverty and ruin moral.
“As much as we’re conserving our culture let’s promote our children’s education and fight illiteracy which is very high in this region, the elders should be fore front in assisting us with this,” commented Wachira.
Nancy Sangula, chairperson Kibumet Women group also disclosed that they’re in the process of choosing a representative of Sabaot women across Mt. Elgon to enforce their fight against poverty, illiteracy and archaic traditions which only make the region lag behind in terms of development.
“We challenge our men counterparts to enlighten us so that we can support them in bringing new dawn to the Sabaot nation where women are incorporated in key decision making and instilling discipline to our youth who are derailing,” reiterated.
The entire Saboat nation in Mt.Elgon which majorly consist of Somek, Kony and Ogiek should be fosters of peace and embrace unity of purpose to realize their full potential and benefit from more developmental programs.
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