Saitotis death changes the face of Kenyan Politics.

The site of the chopper crash in Ngong that killed Proffessor Saitoti

The untimely death of Professor George Saitoti is set to change the direction of Kenyan politics.

Saitoti perished on Sunday 10^th June 2012 together with his deputy Orwa Ojode when a Police chopper they were in crashed in Kibiku area in Ngong forest.

In the plane were two ministers, two bodyguards and two pilots.

They here headed to Orwa Ojode's Ndhiwa constituency when they met their death.

Perhaps the Internal security minister had a premonition of his death because on many occasions, he never declared that he will run for presidency until recently when he did so.

Kenyan Politics asked him in June last year if he will go for the country's top seat but the minister said,

“Its time to serve Kenyans. We have to ensure that we work first and when the time comes, we will make the big announcement.” the minister said while distributing bursary funds to schools in his Kajiado North constituency.

Described by many as a man of two worlds- politically a Maasai and ethnically a Kikuyu, Saitoti was viewed as a seasoned politician and a graduate of the Moi School of politics.

Although the former President Daniel Arap Moi told him off and instead anointed Uhuru Kenyatta as his possible successor in 2002, many viewed Saitoti as a possible Kenyan president.

But Saitoti said then, “There comes a time when the nation is bigger than an individual.” and instead allowed Moi to anoint Uhuru.

With the trials for the Ocampo Four at the Hague likely to start in September and the ICC prosecutor's office advising witnesses to be ready for the trials from September, Saitoti was seen as a man who could be entrusted with Central Kenyan votes in the absence of Uhuru Kenyata at the ballot.

On learning that Saitoti had perished in the plane crash, all presidential aspirants led by Prime Minister Raila Odinga yesterday canceled their rallies and flocked to Lee Funeral Home.

Now that Saitoti is no more, its back to the drawing board for Central Kenya power brokers if there was any scheme to throw their weight behind Saitoti in the absence of Uhuru Kenyatta.

Its also back to the drawing board for presidential aspirants who had schemed to form alliances with the PNU chairman.

Saitoti is being mourned as a great national who served his country diligently and president Kibaki has declared three days of mourning with flags flying half mast.

Speaking on behalf of Maasai elders, outside the Lee Funeral home, Alex Ole Magelo said,

“We Maasai leaders send a message of condolence to Mama Margaret and her family. We have lost a dear leader and a friend.” Ole Magelo said.

Magelo added that the government of Kenya must carry out thorough investigations to establish the cause of the crash since the plane was new.

“We the Maasai have lost one of our own. He served the country diligently. He was our hope and our life.” said Hassan Ole Kamwaro.

Saitoti and Ruto doing a jig during the Burji Night held in April at the Bomas of Kenya..