Author, family clash over rights and manuscripts as controversy dogs Ole Ntimama's biography

A bitter dispute has erupted over the much-anticipated biography of the late Cabinet Minister and Maasai kingpin, William Ronkorua ole Ntimama.

At the heart of the row is a clash between independent author and Maa scholar Patu Naikumi and members of the Ntimama family, threatening to undermine the credibility of the project meant to celebrate the legacy of one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.

Naikumi alleges that he was initially engaged by the Ntimama family to co-author the biography.

However, he claims that Lydia Ntimama, the late politician’s daughter, used his early drafts and interviews to develop a separate version of the book without his consent.

“I sensed she was starting to use my intellectual resources to develop her book behind my back and that is why I went ahead to complete the biography without them,” said Naikumi.

According to him, Lydia began interviewing the same sources he had already accessed, presenting her work as a family-sanctioned version.

He further claims the family attempted to buy him out after their collaboration soured, but refused to meet his asking price of sh3 million, prompting him to independently publish his manuscript.

Naikumi states that his version, an unauthorised account, has already been submitted to a printer in India. He insists that his name and contributions were disregarded after the family allegedly proposed releasing the book without crediting him.

In response, the Ntimama family has pushed back strongly. In a joint statement signed by Amos Ntimama and Lydia Naneu, they accuse Naikumi of breaching a collaborative understanding and unilaterally proceeding with publication.

“The biography entrusted to us remains true to the vision outlined by William ole Ntimama and his family. It is a heartfelt reflection of his personal values and profound love for his community,” the family said in the statement.

They acknowledged that Naikumi had access to family archives and sources but argue that his independent actions undermine the project’s authenticity.

“It would be proper and respectful if Mr Patu Naikumi sought our concurrence before proceeding with any publication,” the family added.

This fallout is not the first obstacle in efforts to document Ntimama’s life. An earlier attempt, led by Maasai Mara University under former Vice Chancellor Mary Walingo and three co-authors, was completed before the Mara heist saga, but the university-owned copy was shelved incomplete. The remaining parts in this copy is the late Ntimama's son's story, family validation on information documented and publication of the book.

Naikumi’s version of the biography, which he claims covers Ntimama’s political journey, personal background, and role within the Maasai community, now faces rejection by the family who assert that only they can authentically tell their patriarch’s story.

Amid growing tensions, members of the Maa Unity Agenda (MUA) have stepped in, proposing a reconciliation process to bridge the divide. The MUA has appointed a committee comprising Francis Meshuko, Shadrack Kamaamia, Tomaka Masenke, Josephine Sane, Prof. Lawrence Esho, Dr. Joshua Kaputah, and Margaret Lesuuda to facilitate dialogue.

“I’m literally talking one-on-one to both Mr Patu Naikumi and Hon Lydia Ntimama. I am confident we can resolve this misunderstanding out of court,” said Ole Pasha via the MUA WhatsApp forum.

“Much gratitude to the MUA for allowing shuttle diplomacy from within. This is a show of maturity and deep respect for the legacy of the great Ntimama.”

Ole Pasha further urged caution in how such sensitive family, social, and corporate matters are handled, warning of their potential to damage reputations and derail long-standing efforts.

Ntimama, who passed away in 2016, remains one of the longest-serving and most revered political figures in Kenyan history.

He served as Chairman of the defunct Narok County Council for 15 years and as a Member of Parliament for 25 years. He also held ministerial positions under Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki.

He was widely celebrated within the Maasai community as a fierce defender of their rights and cultural identity. His popularity in the region earned him an unrivalled position as a community elder and national statesman.

To other communities, however, Ntimama was a polarising figure. During the politically charged ethnic clashes of the 1990s, he drew criticism for remarks perceived as inflammatory, including his infamous call for members of a particular community to “lie low like an envelope.”

Despite controversy, Ntimama was also known as a lover of literature. Over the years, he built an impressive private library from his travels abroad. In his later years, he donated his collection to the Narok Library, calling it his “heritage to his people.”

Now, the dispute over his biography threatens to overshadow his legacy. With conflicting narratives emerging and unresolved claims of authorship, efforts to immortalise Ntimama’s life remain in limbo.

As reconciliation efforts continue, many hope that the focus can return to honouring the values, vision, and voice of a man who defined an era in Kenyan politics.