Kaparo urges Meru, Tharaka-Nithi residents to coexist peacefully
NCIC chairman Francis ole Kaparo holding a shield during the Tharaka Cultural Festival at Meru National Park-Ura Gate on August 20, 2016. He urged residents of Meru and Tharaka-Nithi counties to coexist peacefully as the government works to resolve a boundary dispute. PHOTO | ALEX NJERU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Kaparo called on politicians from the two counties to avoid inciting locals and preach unity on the land matter.
- Tharaka MP Mburi Muiru called on his electorate to remain patient as he engages other leaders for a lasting solution.
- Mr Kaparo warned politicians against using divisive language when campaigning to avoid conflicts between their supporters.
- He maintained that his commission will not tolerate hate language by politicians especially during the 2017 election.
National Cohesion and Integration Commission chairman Francis ole Kaparo has urged residents of Tharaka-Nithi and Meru counties to embrace peaceful coexistence as the government works to resolve a boundary row.
Speaking at Ura Gate in Meru National Park during the last day of the Tharaka Cultural Festival, Mr Kaparo said he would speed up the resolution of the boundary row between the two counties.
He called on politicians from the two counties to avoid inciting locals and preach unity on the land matter.
“It is upon the leaders to maintain peace among the residents of the disputed area as the relevant government institutions look for a solution,” said Mr Kaparo.
Tharaka MP Mburi Mwiru called on Land Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi to ensure that a report that investigated the boundary issue is implemented.
He noted that the demarcation of the [boundary between] the two counties would end the historical dispute that threatens peace between residents of the two neighbouring counties.
ISSUE TITLE DEEDS
“Once the demarcation is done and the individuals along the boundary are issued with title deeds for [their] parcels of land, there would be no future disputes,” said Mr Mwiru.
The MP, who is chairman of the National Assembly's Lands Committee, called on his electorate to remain patient as he engages other leaders for a lasting solution.
Meanwhile, Mr Mwiru said some politicians from the two counties use the boundary issue to seek support during elections.
Mr Kaparo warned politicians against using divisive language when campaigning to avoid conflicts between their supporters.
He maintained that his commission will not tolerate hate language by politicians especially during the 2017 election.
“Anyone found culpable of hate speech will face the full force of the law,” he said.
The theme of peaceful coexistence dominated the three-day festival that featured traditional dancers from more than 10 communities and was graced by other leaders, including Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro, Tourism Cabinet Najib Balala, Tharaka-Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, and Kenya Museums Director-General Mzalendo Kibunjia, among other dignitaries.
