Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina got a brutal bashing online after complaining over the recent selection of 54 advocates of the High Court for conferment of Senior Counsel rank by President William Ruto.
But it is what appears like a display of ignorance and ethnicizsing the process for claiming that no single Maasai has ever been conferred the highest Kenya’s bar rank that rattled Kenyans the most, some questioning his knowledge about the process.
“I am surprised that not a single Maasai lawyer has ever been conferred the rank of Senior Counsel. The selection committee really needs to ensure fairness in the process,” the Senator posted on his X handle.
Kenyans immediately put him to task questioning where former Director of Public Prosecutions and Enviroment CS during former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Keriako Tobiko who was conferred Senior Counsel rank in late 2012 hailed from.
The prestigious title is awarded to distinguished advocates with exemplary service, professional credentials and contributions to the legal practice.
Senator Ledama’s post elicited a fierce ethnicity versus merit debate with many Kenyans referring the lawmaker to the Advocates Act.
Mong’are Okong’o, an Advocate of the High Court, asked the Senator to first study the Senior Counsel criteria law before ‘igniting ethnic outrage’.
“…It’s not allocated by clan… Emotion without knowledge only breeds noise, not justice,” he shared.
Michael Mulongo cited merit, competency and experience among the key issues looked at during the process and that “there is no tribe as a qualification”.
Eligible candidates must have a minimum of 15 years legal practice either in litigation, academia, public service or jurisprudence, demonstrate professional excellence in the courtroom and or contribute to landmark cases or major reforms.
They must also uphold high level of integrity and ethical standing by not having any criminal record, pending criminal case or unresolved disciplinary matter and also contribute to public and legal sector by mentoring young lawyers and promoting access to justice, law and constitutionalism.
An irritated Peter Ndambu demanded evidence from the Senator, asking for a list of qualified Maasai lawyers who were reportedly denied the opportunity during the recent exercise. “It is about professionalism, not tribe”.
“These are people who have gone to school and ‘ate books. There is no limitation to who can achieve. It is all about hardwork,” Samwel Wekesa shared.
Martin Kivuva said it was sad that an elected Senator was pushing an ethnic agenda instead of championing for fair and transparent process where finalists are picked based on their qualifications and not their tribes.
“You want affirmative action on this one too? You are just another tribal bigot hiding behind ‘pushing community interests,” he said.
Patrick Mosabi wrote, “A whole Senator doesn’t see Kenyans. He sees tribes. I weep for my country”.
Another, Paul Kart said Ledama must appreciate that Maa counties are also occupied by other communities and not just the Maasai. “Every time it’s about Maa community, why? Narok is not for Maasai only, it’s occupied by people from all parts of the Republic”.
Ochollah Oliver said Kenyans must learn to embrace competence, intellect and qualification.
But to Benji Ndolo, Senator Ledama Ole Kina is a “mini-Gachagua”. The former Deputy President is seen as mostly tribal.
Maasai community is largely a marginalised community. The senator, a great defender of the community, takes every opportunity to ensure his People are not denied opportunities, something that could be interpreted as tribalism.
