When Narok political history will be drafted, Sunkuli brothers will have a special mention.
These sons of Olomiri Ole Sunkuli staged one of the fiercest political battles against each other, the move that cost them the Narok senatorial seat.N
During 2013 general elections, the seat had attracted many contestants among them two brothers; Julius Sunkuli and Andrew Sunkuli.
Elders and family tried convincing Andrew the younger brother to shelve his political ambition in favour of his elder brother Julius but he couldn't hear any of it. That saw the two brothers contesting against each other.
Julius Sunkuli was elders and his family's favourite to run for the coveted seat due to his acclaimed political experience and age, the decision that didn't go well with Andrew's supporters.
Jared Parmaasai one of the residents said, "Being older to his brother coupled with 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."
Andrew was a flamboyant and shrewd businessman who banked on his popularity among the youth and his eloquence in both Maa and Kalenjin to woo for voters. His youthful supporters backed up by Maasai professionals disputed elders preference of Julius.
Joseph ole Sonkori, was among those who disagreed with the elders’ decision terming it as 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 an impression that a family matter is as good as it should be to all Maasai voters in the county and beyond,” said Sonkori.
The two brothers lost to Stephen Ole Ntuntu, Andrew was second and Julius came third.
Despite their fame among the voters, sibling rivalry got better of them and cost them the coveted seat. Had one of them heeded to elders' advice and shelve his ambition and support the other, chances were sky high they would have won the seat.
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