Nandi elders have 'cleansed' the community of what they term betrayal over the post-election violence. About 100 elders from Talai clan carried out the secret ceremony in Kabiyet area which is home to the most respected and revered elders of the Nandi Community.
The elders who performed the ceremony said the ceremony was necessary because three of the Ocampo Six are from the Nandi community and that some of the witnesses expected to testify are also from the Nandi community. “Our people are betraying each other,” said one of the elders.
Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey, Eldoret North's William Ruto and radio journalist Joshua arap Sang are all from the Nandi Community. The three were not informed of the ceremony and were not required to be present.
The elders, however, said the betrayal emanates from a curse imposed on the community in 1890 by an elder, Orkoiyot Kipnyolei arap Turgat, who was the father of legendary Nandi leader Koitalel arap Samoei.
However differences have emerged within the community after another group rejected the ceremony. Ten elders including Mzee Burgei Tuwei, Silvester Tanui arap Chemwor, Christopher Koiyoki and councillor David arap Sulo expressed outrage over the ceremony.
The ritual was held at the home of Mzee Simon Saina Kamuterere at Kebulonik village. It is believed that arap Turgat cursed the community because it had defied his orders. He is said to have vowed that the community will never produce a leader.
The community is linking the fate of the Ocampo Three to the curse. Some of the elders said the cleansing is to clear way for Ruto who is among the ICC suspects and is planning to contest the presidency.
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