Minority Communities in Laikipia Demand Inclusion in Political Seats
A coalition of minority communities in Laikipia County has intensified its calls for guaranteed political representation, arguing that the current governance structure marginalizes them in favour of the larger ethnic groups. Under the banner of the Laikipia Ethnic Minorities Caucus, leaders from the Ilchamus, Samburu, and Yiaku communities have petitioned the County Assembly and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to create a special nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA) seat reserved specifically for their interests. They contend that this is essential for equitable development and political justice.
The push for inclusion is rooted in a long-standing feeling of neglect, where communities with smaller populations consistently lose in competitive electoral politics. The caucus chairman, Mr. Samuel Lekopir, highlighted that despite their significant cultural heritage and contribution to the county’s tourism and livestock sectors, they have been systematically sidelined from key county appointments and development projects. When resources are allocated, our voice is absent from the table. We are not asking for a favour; we are demanding our rightful place in the devolved government as envisioned by the Constitution, which promotes the representation of marginalized communities, Lekopir stated during a press briefing in Nanyuki.
The petition has garnered support from several civil society organizations, including the Centre for Minority Rights Development (CEMIRIDE), which has offered legal and advocacy backing. The spirit of devolution is to bring government closer to the people, all people. The continued exclusion of these communities is a betrayal of that promise and a failure of the current political design in Laikipia, said a CEMIRIDE representative. However, the proposal has also faced resistance from some elected leaders from majority communities, who view it as an unnecessary creation of a political quota that could set a precedent for other regions.
The future of this demand now rests with the Laikipia County Assembly and the national IEBC. The caucus has vowed to stage peaceful demonstrations and pursue all legal avenues to ensure their grievances are addressed. As the country moves closer to the next electoral cycle, the issue is poised to become a significant political litmus test for the county’s commitment to inclusive governance. The outcome will signal whether Laikipia can truly evolve into a model county where every community, regardless of its size, has a stake in its leadership and development.