Draw borders to end Pokot, Turkana wars
What you need to know:
- North Rift leaders want the IEBC to demarcate boundaries of the three counties to stop conflicts.
The Independent and Electoral Boundary Commission (IEBC) has been asked to draw boundaries of three North Rift counties to stop perennial conflicts over resources.
Turkana Senator John Munyes and MPs John Lodepe (Turkana Central), James Lomenen (Turkana South) and Nicholas Ngikor (Turkana East) want IEBC to demarcate Baringo, Turkana and West Pokot counties’ boundaries to end the fighting between Pokots and Turkanas.
PERSISTENT INSECURITY
Incessant conflicts between Pokot and Turkana communities have been attributed to the long standing boundary and resource tussle in the area.
“The body should fast-track the demarcation of the boundaries in 2015 to avert conflicts that have led to loss of lives and displacement of families,” said Mr Munyes, who read a statement on behalf of his colleagues in Eldoret on Wednesday.
The leaders attributed persistent insecurity in the affected counties to lack of clear boundaries.
“We are tired of the many incidents of cattle rustling and attacks which have characterised relations between Turkanas and Pokots,” Mr Munyes said.
“Unless the government addresses the issue of boundaries once and for all, these conflicts are likely to worsen. We are calling for peace and reconciliation because we know it is the only way we can achieve development in the affected counties.”
Mr Lodepe asked the President to create a ministry to oversee development in northern Kenya. “This is the only way this area that has been neglected by successive regimes can catch up with the rest of the country.”
