Over the last couple weeks, we’ve talked about our efforts in providing food to the Maasai in Kajiado County, Kenya. A big part of our work is due to the generous ongoing contributions from our donors. But none of what we do would be possible without the hard work and dedication of our Kenyan Co-Founder and Project Manager Joseph Larasha. He has the qualities one would expect in a leader, but two stand above the rest: courage and loyalty. These values are essential to the success of Water is Life Kenya (WILK) and, for Larasha, they date back to his formative years.
We wanted to shine the spotlight on Larasha and how his warrior upbringing shaped him into the fearless, courageous, loyal leader he is today.
Larasha, The Maasai Warrior
Early in his life, Larasha discovered the importance of brotherhood among his fellow Maasai warriors. Because of Kenya’s unique geography and variety of landscapes, people move in search of pasture, depending on the weather and seasons. As semi-nomadic pastoralists, everyone in a Maasai community has a role to play in the success of the group. From tending livestock to carrying water, labor, and the fruits that come from it, such as a well-cooked meal, are enjoyed in the company of others. Various social mores support the importance of having a strong collective: family units live together in a temporary enkang with a thorn bush border; people eat together as a way to ensure that everyone has enough food; and, when out in the bush, men don’t abandon each other, no matter the danger involved.
Maasai warriors are famous for their bravery, strength, and ability to protect their people. Their fame extends beyond history and into modernity. The equipment for a warrior, a spear and shield, are represented today on the Kenyan Flag. Maasai warriors protect the community from outside forces, including everything from large wild animals to nearby communities competing for land and resources. As the tribal security force, these young men must become strong units. A warrior is only as strong as the men beside him, so to strengthen bonds and sharpen their skills groups will go out in the bush to practice tracking and hunting. One of the most ancient Maasai warrior traditions, an act which proved courage for generations, was to kill a lion.
In Larasha’s TED Talk, he shares the story of when he and his fellow warriors set out to prove themselves by killing a lion. However, after finding a lion feasting on a kill, Larasha’s friends fled in fear, leaving him alone. To avoid the shame that came from running, Larasha stood his ground. Then the lion charged him. Larasha prepared for impact with only his spear in hand. The lion jumped towards him, but Larasha hit him in the mouth, ending him with one fatal blow. After demonstrating his courage, Larasha was respected by the community, giving him a status that has endured until today.
Since then, Larasha has used courage and confidence to overcome other obstacles he and his community have faced. In the TED Talk, he discussed not just his experience killing the lion but also his desire to use his own life to save the lives of others. This goes beyond lions and other threats: it also means finding new means of providing resources to the Maasai, which includes, but is not limited to, water distribution.
Larasha, The Active Elder
His experience, along with his role as Maasai elder, offers him the ability to make WILK’s goals a reality. He’s an active part of the process of getting water to those who need it. This includes leading the team to remote areas that are difficult to access because of bad or non-existent roads. Whenever there’s an issue with one of our 17 wells, Larasha’s the person ready to find the solution.
Maasai elders have earned the right to delegate physical labor to others and enjoy a life of ease. ((This stage is similar to what we would consider retirement.) But Larasha is the exception—because he’s exceptional. His commitment to serving his community supersedes tradition. His dedication to servant leadership is obvious through his example of shepherding the WILK team.
Larasha is in constant communication with WILK’s Director and Co-founder, Joyce Tannian, which strengthens our connection between Kenya and Newark, DE. For our recent food relief activities, Larasha knows where to buy food, whom to contact in the local government, where the greatest needs are, and what to do if a problem arises. Because of his connections, resources contributed by donors go directly to Kenyans and assist quickly. This is why our October fundraising campaign quickly turned into food distribution. Building connections with Larasha and our team in Kenya opens doors so we can enact positive change for the Maasai.
Larasha, The Blessing
We say “Water is Life” because of the ancient proverb “Enkare Enkishui.” Without water, there is no life. Well, without Joseph Larasha Ole Muntekere, there is no WILK. We’re blessed to have Larasha as a leader, mentor, and friend, and so are the Maasai beneficiaries of this work.
