Maasai Books

In Tears of Disinheritance, Ben Ole Koissaba systematically analyzes many of the issues arising from matters of land from the perspective of the Maasai. Going as far back as memory and written records reach, Dr. Koissaba captures the story of the Maasai, their origins, belief system and migrations to vast stretches of land that form most of the Rift Valley, both in Kenya and Tanzania. He succinctly captures the genesis of many a conflict, displacement and subsequent impoverishment, including treaties purportedly signed on behalf of the Maasai at the advent of colonialism; treaties that even independent Kenya has failed to address. Tears of Disinheritance makes the case for the rights of indigenous peoples in Kenya, drawing parallels with similar cases in countries like Canada, Australia and the USA. This book is thought-provoking in more ways than one on matters of land and how best to view and use land as well as how best to protect the land rights of indigenous people in Kenya.