COUNTY POLITICS: Squatter problem tops campaign agenda in Mt Elgon

Mt Elgon John Serut. Mr Serut is an independent candidate. PHOTO | ANTHONY OMUYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Kapondi said if elected he would ensure all squatters at the Chepyuk settlement scheme are issued with title deeds.
  • Mr Chemwotei says that he would give the Teso and Bukusu communities residing in the constituency the same opportunities.

The perennial squatter problem in Mt Elgon constituency is once again top on the campaign agenda as aspirants proffer one solution after another as they seek support and votes. 

The seat has so far attracted 12 aspirants who have all lined up their campaign arsenal to unseat the incumbent MP John Serut.

Majority of them are however in agreement that the squatter problem in Chepyuk Settlement Scheme should be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Mr Serut is an independent candidate, as he was in 2013, but faces perennial rivals in former MP Fred Kapondi, who is eying the Jubilee Party’s ticket and Mr Joe Kimkung seeking the Kanu ticket.

Other contestants seeking the Jubilee Party’s nod to fly its flag in the August 8 polls are businessman Harry Kimtai, Mr James Namtala, Bungoma County Public administration Executive Mokin arap Ptang’uny, Mr Evans Chemwotei, Mr Moss Ndiema and Mr Michael Kawon.

Other than Mr Kimkung, Kanu has also attracted Ms Rose Soet, former Nyanza Provincial Director of Education Geoffrey Cherongis and businessman Peter Sirai.

Mr Serut, who was MP between 2003 and 2007, before he was ousted by Mr Kapondi, says he would be easily re-elected because he pushed for the issuance of title deeds to most of the squatters living in Chebyuk Settlement Scheme.

“I succeeded after squatters in Phase One were issued with title deeds in 2016 by President Uhuru Kenyatta. This is good fodder for my re-election. I am also working to ensure that those in Phase Two and Three are issued with the land documents,” he says.

The legislator attributes his success to working well with President Uhuru Kenyatta, who, he added, launched the tarmacking of Kapsokwony-Kopsiro- Namwela road.

“I have opened up and renovated a number of secondary schools in the region. I have also ensured that teachers are promoted and others employed,” he adds.

FAILED LEADER
On the other hand, Mr Kapondi, the area MP between 2008 and 2013, says he wanted to return the sobriety that was once witnessed in Mt Elgon in terms of good leadership.

“Mt Elgon region has faced a lot of problems due to bad leadership. Its time people elected a development-oriented leader who can transform the region into a business hub,” he says.

If elected, he would ensure all squatters at the Chepyuk settlement scheme, who are yet to be issued with title deeds, got them as soon as possible, Mr Kapondi said.

This, he adds, will enable them secure bank loans to develop their land and educate their children.

He says during his time as MP he initiated many development projects that have benefited residents immensely.

“The current MP has squandered his chances by recruiting his friends and relatives to manage the CDF office where the bursary allocation has benefited close allies rather than the needy children,” adds Mr Kapondi.

He also promises to push the government to connect homes with electricity through the Last Mile connectivity programme to ensure that all residents engage in businesses that will be beneficial to them.

“Members of the Teso and Bukusu communities in the region will automatically vote for me. They are close to me. We have worked very well with them before,” says Mr Kapondi.

Mr Kimtai, on his part, says Mr Serut should be voted out for failing Mt Elgon people.

If elected, he says, he will transform the region, which he adds had been neglected by the incumbent and the county government.

Mr Chemwotei says he will address the Chepyuk settlement issue with sobriety.

“This Chepyuk settlement scheme issue is a time bomb that needs the leader’s input and I will ensure that all squatters are issued with title deeds to stop other people using it as a political tool,” adds the aspirant, who has unsuccessfully vied for the seat in the past.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
He points out that former leaders have been making promises that they have not fulfilled.

Mr Chemwotei says that he would give the Teso and Bukusu communities residing in the constituency the same opportunities.

Mr Peter Sirai, a former Nairobi Water Company employee, says he will be elected because he will bring vibrancy and youthfulness into the race.

“I am the man to beat. I am going to win in the nominations and face Mr Serut at the ballot. Tell him that a youthful leader has emerged and will give them a run for his money,” he said.

Mr Sirai said he had traversed Mt Elgon region selling his manifesto and asking voters to elect him on account of his development record.

He says he has been at the forefront fighting for the Sabaot rights in Mt Elgon.