Families in Narok move out ahead of vote

Scores of families have started leaving Narok for fear of a recurrence of violence ahead of Wednesday’s referendum.

Several lorry-loads of residents have for the past few days been moving out with their personal belongings on the Narok- Bomet, Mulot-Sogoo and Mulot-Mara roads.

The areas affected are Munyasi in Mara division, Olala and Tenduet in Mulot divisions.

They were said to be moving to Western and Nyanza provinces.

However, when contacted, Narok South District Officer One, Mr Peter Jumwa downplayed the matter saying most of those who were moving were doing so in a routine exercise after every harvest season.

But when prodded further he admitted that there was some tension and even the District Commissioner Mr Chimwaga Mongo who could not be reached on phone, was said to be on the ground assessing the situation.

“Munyasi is a farming community. Its residents usually move to Kisii to sell and consume their maize in August, even then we cannot rule out some tension where some communities are apprehensive,” he said.

He added that he was not aware of any threats or leaflets urging certain communities to leave the area.

Narok South MP Nkoidila ole Lankas and his predecessor Stephen ole Ntutu both condemned the move saying nobody should be threatened out of their homes as this was a democratic exercise.

“This is very wrong. All we are doing is a contest like any other where the winners will still dine with the losers. They need not have moved and we are asking the security agents to intervene and assure everyone of their safety,” said Mr Ntutu.

Even as they moved, both the 'Yes’ and 'No’ teams, concluded their search for votes in a whirlwind door to door campaign.

The 'Yes’ team led by Mr Lankas criss-crossed the vast constituency in a last ditch effort to convince voters to endorse the draft law.

He promised massive development to the region once it is passed.

The MP held several rallies in Naroosura, Lemek and Talek areas, situated on the foot of the Maasai Mara game reserve, in a whirlwind door to door campaign.

On the other hand, those opposed to the draft, led by Mr Ntutu also pitched tent at various locations, urging voters to reject the 'flawed’ document.

Mr Ntutu has over the past one week held several rallies in the Loita, Mara and Ololung’a areas.

As they wound up their campaigns, the Interim Independent Electoral Commission was also putting up the final touches to ensure that the voting process runs smoothly.

The constituency’s Returning Officer Mr Amos Obonyo told the Nation that ballot papers had already been brought in and they were now in the process of transporting them to 156 polling stations.

The constituency has 82,281 registered voters.

“We are rearing to go now. I am in the process of making sure that all the ballot boxes and ballot papers are taken to their respective areas,” he said.

“Our main challenge still remains how to navigate the rugged terrain to get the documents to some of the far flung areas. I remain confident that we shall do it in good time in order for the voting process to go on smoothly,” said the official.

At a campaign rally in Talek, Mr Lankas had one message for members of the Maa Community; the draft law will not take away your land.

“Contrary to rumours by the 'No’ side, your land will be safeguarded under this document,” he told his constituents.

“The draft law will further improve your livelihood. Passing it will pave way for massive development. It is a good document. I therefore urge you to come out in large numbers and vote for it,” he said.

But the Mr Ntutu led 'No’ campaigners differed, insisting that the Maa community will loose out if the draft is passed.

In an interview, the former MP said their reasons of opposing the draft law this time round were similar to 2005.

'Nothing has changed. The document is still the same. The controversial chapter on land is still the same. Nothing has been amended. That is why we are rejecting it,” said Mr Ntutu in Narok town.