THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF NANDI MARKS THE 120TH MEMORIAL SERVICE OF ORKOIYOT KOITALEL ARAAP SAMOEI
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang led the residents of Nandi and the family of the late Orkoiyot Koitalel Arap Samoei to commemorate 120 years in an event held at Koitalel Samoei mausoleum in Nandi hills town.
The late Koitalel was assassinated on 19th October 1905 by Richard Meinertzhagen at Ketbarak which is the present-day Nandi bears Club after he was invited for a peace truce. Contrary to the agreement, Koitalel and his 24 ministers (Maotik) were shot dead. His head was taken to London after his assassination .
Speaking during the event, Nandi governor Stephen Sang said that Koitalel Samoei is the undisputed leader of the 1st liberation because he led the Nandi to resist the British for many years.”
The killing of Koitalel Samoei is an historical injustice that should be delt with”, he said.
Governor Sang added that his administration will support the efforts towards reparations in the UK.
He asked the national government to support the Talai community as they fought for their rights and the reparation from the British government following the injustices committed against the Nandi community by the coloniolists.
He promised to securing more resources for the mausoleum which is one of the tourist attraction sites in Nandi.
On his part, Samoei’s family chairperson Ambrose Tarus asked the county and the national governments to work together with the family to fight for justice for the family and all those affected by colonial injustices.
Koitalel Samoei was killed together with 24 ministers popularly known as “Maotik” among the Nandi.
The 24 were: Kipketer Kibitkut Arap Chemurungu, Kiprandich Arap Mugundu, Nyokosei Arap Chepkulei, Kesendany Arap Baroswa, Surtan Arap Koisamoo, Chepsain Kibutuk, Samoei Arap Sato, Kimurgor Arap Chepkimom Kamongo, Kipkigen Barkwang Kapachoro, Kimengich Arap Buraru, Chebung’ung’on Arap Murtiony, Arap Chebwai, Kiptai Kirorie Arap Kutei, Kipruto Kiutany Arap Cheubei, Kipnam-Emet Arap Marich, Arap Cherotei,Arap Rotuk,Kimulwet Arap Burial, Chelilim Arap Siron, Arap Kap Manyim, Arap Kap Chemengich,Arap Murey Kap Leleito and Chebo Kaptorotwo who was the only lady.
Present during the event were New York state Senator James Anders Jr, Nandi deputy governor Dr. Yulita Mitei Cheruiyot, Nandi Hills ward MCA Hon. Edwin Cheptuget, Teaching Artist Institute President Haki Ammi among other guests.