MPs clash as boundary team visits

• Leaders differ on mode in which views should be given

The boundaries review team’s meeting in Kitale turned chaotic on Tuesday when two MPs disagreed on the mode of collecting views.

Forestry minister Noah Wekesa and Cherengany MP Joshua Kutuny had a confrontation and security was called in to remove the leaders from the Nzoia county council hall.

The MPs had exchanged words for nearly 15 minutes as Mr Andrew Ligale, the chairman of the Interim Independent Boundary Review Commission (IIBRC) tried to gain control of the meeting.

Trouble started when Mr Ligale asked constituency representatives to read their resolutions on behalf of others.

Mr Kutuny rose to challenge the decision, but this did not go down well with Mr Wekesa, the Kwanza MP.

The chairman ordered security to clear the hall as his team consulted on the best way to receive views from the people of Saboti, Kwanza and Cherengany constituencies.

Later, the security personnel led by Trans Nzoia West District Commissioner Wilfred Kinyua calmed the leaders and the meeting went on smoothly.

Due to tension at the meeting, the Sabaot community pleaded with the chairman to be heard in camera.

Split Kwanza

Sources at the meeting said the group asked that Mt Elgon be hived off Western province and be administered in Rift Valley.

A group wanted Kwanza constituency to be split into Endebess and Kwanza, contrary to Dr Wekesa’s wishes.

Cherengany leaders agreed that the constituency should remain as it is for the sake of unity and co-existence of residents.

Some leaders proposed that Trans Nzoia East be named Cherengany district, and that its headquarters be moved from Chebarus to Kachibora, which was in a central location.