Stop fuelling Meru, Tharaka-Nithi border dispute, politicians told

People living along the disputed border of Tharaka and Tigania East constituencies have been urged to avoid violence and allow the government to resolve the issue.

Tension heightened in Gatithini along the border after Tigania East member of Parliament Gichunge Kabeabea launched construction of a chief’s office at Kembeni, a disputed area.

The project drew the attention of his Tharaka counterpart Gitonga Murugara, who vowed that no work would be done.

Tharaka residents threatened to storm the site and stop the Sh850,000 work funded by the Tigania East constituency office.

The project is heavily guarded by police from Tigania East and General Service Unit officers.

POLITICIANS WARNED

In a press statement on Wednesday, Tharaka-Nithi County Commissioner Beverly Opwora warned politicians against fuelling conflict by interfering with the border, contrary to a directive by the Eastern Regional Commissioner Isaiah Nakoru.

During a meeting with Tharaka-Nithi and Meru leaders that took place in Embu last year, Mr Nakoru asked politicians to keep off the dispute and allow relevant government institutions to resolve it and give residents title deeds.

Ms Opwora added that governors and MPs from the two counties were also warned against starting project in the disputed area as this would cause tension.

“I am appealing to residents of Ntoroni in Tharaka and those in Tigania East to maintain peace” she said, noting skirmishes on the border have resulted in death and destruction of property.

Meru County Commissioner, Mr Allan Macharia, asked politicians to follow the law and avoid inciting residents to fight.

VEHICLES BURNT

In 2007 a car belonging to the then Tigania East MP Peter Munya was torched near Thangatha Primary School in clashes over the border.

In September 2018, two vehicles were burnt at Kathangachwe over the same matter.

In 1997, fighting left many residents displaced and schools burnt.

ELDERS' ADVISE

The Ameru Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders wants the government to solve the dispute guided by recommendations in a 2007 report by a commission led by the late former Principal Secretary Zachary Ogongo.

The council’s Tharaka-Nithi chairman, Mr Kangori M’Thaara, said the report recommended formation of a joint adjudication team of members from the disputing sides.

Mr M’Thaara said the exact location of the 1954 colonial boundary should be revealed.

He said the report also recommended relocation of people displaced from parts including Kindani, Kiamugumo, Kioru, Machabini, Rakathi and Kianyungu, following clashes in 1977.

“The council will meet on Friday to discuss the issue,” he added, and told politicians with hidden agenda to keep off.