Joseph Ole Lenku, Kajiado governor, broke into tears after he was overcome with emotions while hosting President William Ruto.
The governor, on Tuesday, could not hide his joy after the head of state ordered the Ministry of Tourism to hand over the management of Amboseli National Park to the Kajiado County Government.
As Ruto was still addressing the gathering, Governor Ole Lenku flapped his Maasai shuka over his face to conceal his emotions as the directive sank in.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, on Wednesday, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Ole Sankok, who was seen consoling Ole Lenku at the event, divulged why his friend and tribesman shed tears.
"He was just a bit emotional because President William Ruto offered the community more than we requested or expected from the Head of State," Sankok stated.
"The President's decision to hand over the operations of Amboseli National Park to the County Government of Kajiado was a major turning point for all of us, not just Governor Ole Lenku," Ole Sankok revealed.
According to the EALA lawmaker, the transfer of control over Amboseli National Park was not only a kind gesture by Ruto, but it was also a major victory for the county.
The quest to transfer Amboseli National Park from the national government to the Maasai people, according to Sankok, began decades ago when Lenku Ole Mpaa Kapei, Ole Lenku's father and former Paramount Chief, appealed to the government to initiate the process.
Paramount Chief Mpaa Kapei, however, retired before realising his dream.
Consequently, Chief Mpaa Kapei instructed his son, Ole Lenku, to strive for the park's control to be reclaimed from the national government and returned to their community.
Sankok further elaborated that Governor Ole Lenku may have been experiencing a sense of relief and a mixture of joy and pride.
It was also plausible that he was contemplating the potential benefits the transfer could yield for the county, including increased tourism revenue and the generation of job opportunities.
Ole Lenku was also possibly caught off guard, judging by his body language, gestures and immediate reaction.
"The transfer of control over Amboseli National Park was not something that was expected, and it is possible that Governor Ole Lenku was not prepared for the emotional response that it would evoke," Ole Sankok observed.
President Ruto directed the Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza to expedite the transfer of the park's management and ensure it is swift and effective.
Ruto, who was speaking during Maa Cultural Week in Sekanani, Maasai Mara Game Reserve, in Narok, noted that the revenue from Amboseli National Park will be shared equally with the national government.
"You have demonstrated beyond doubt that you have the capacity to manage the resource," Ruto acknowledged.
