Sibling rivalry persists as brothers dig in

By Beauttah Omanga

Sibling rivalry is playing out in Narok County, thanks to the Konchella and Sunkuli brothers whose ambitions have ignited debate.

A few days ago, a group of elders announced it had been resolved that the elder Julius Sunkuli steps down in favour of his kid brother Andrew. But it has emerged supporters of the ambassador are not buying the decision and have planned a meeting this weekend to decide their man’s political fate.

It’s their opinion the elders got it wrong to decide a matter that involves a wider elective zone and decided they would review the verdict that Andrew be the family’s sole aspirant for the Narok senate seat. 

Also disapproving the elders’ decision is a group of Maasai professionals led by Joseph ole Sonkori, who says the elders’ decision was not binding to the Maasai community since the senator’s seat is for the entire county electorate, not a family affair.

“Why should it be seen as if the elders have the final word, as to who should be the candidate? It’s misleading to create impression that a family matter is as good as it should be to all Maasai voters in the county and beyond,” said Sonkori. 

He said the ambassador should not be forced out of the race given his immense experience in leadership.

That the family feud was not over yet was evident the very day the elders’ verdict was pronounced at the home of the Sunkulis. While a few hours early the two brothers had walked into waiting journalists to declare they had no bad feelings against each other, the two refused to comment on the verdict. They walked away and ignored the media.

“Being older to his brother coupled with a long political experience, a section of Julius Sunkuli’s supporters expected him to be given the elders’ nod, but since that was not the case, chances of the two facing off cannot be ruled out,” said Jared Parmaasai, a resident.

If the ambassador gives in to pressure from his ardent supporters and decides to run against his brother, the battle will be intense as the two will be in different political parties. While Julius is allied to PNU, little is known of Andrew.

In Kilgoris constituency, local MP Gideon Konchelah and his brother Dalton are also eyeing seats in the General Election.