County chiefs hold new talks on boundary dispute

Leaders from Kwale and Taita- Taveta counties have resumed consultations to resolve a long-running boundary dispute.

In a joint statement they issued in Kwale on Monday, the leaders said they had started negotiations and planned a series of meetings following disagreements in the dispute that has persisted since 1963.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya, his Taita-Taveta counterpart, Mr John Mruttu, Taita-Taveta Woman Representative Joyce Lay, and MPs Gonzi Rai (Kinango), Andrew Mwadime (Mwatate) and Jones Mlolwa (Voi), jointly announced the decision.

“The Kwale-Taita Taveta boundary problem did not start today. It dates back to colonial times. We are determined to resolve it this time round because leaders from both counties are committed to finding a lasting solution,” said Mr Mvurya.

Mr Mvurya and Mr Mruttu called on the people staying in the border towns such as Mackinnon Road to remain calm as “a solution will be found”.
He said a series of meetings would be held involving representatives from both counties to chart the way forward.

Blame game

“The MPs and other leaders will meet more often because we want this matter to come to a peaceful conclusion.”

Mr Mruttu clarified that the disputed area, which lies within Mackinnon, is “very tiny” and has no mineral deposits as reported in the media.

“The people should carry on with their normal duties as it is only a matter of time before we resolve it once and for all,” he said, warning local leaders against incitement.

Earlier, efforts to resolve the dispute failed after leaders from both counties started blaming one another for the impasse.