Kaparo: Meru, Isiolo row not political

Politicians have been absolved from blame over the conflict between residents or Meru and Isiolo counties.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission Chairman Francis Ole Kaparo said the Borana and Meru are to blame for the conflicts.

He spoke after chairing a peace meeting in Nyambene.

Mr Kaparo attributed the row to cattle rustling and not incitement by politicians as some people have claimed.

“Stop blaming the politicians, the public is the problem. Let us use communication to solve this problem. Offenders must feel the full weight of the law to deter those who want to take the law into their hands,” he said.

Some locals have accused politicians of inciting pastoralists to violence under the guise of fighting for their rights.

NO ADJUSTMENT OF BOUNDARIES

Meanwhile, Mr Kaparo ruled out the possibility of adjusting the boundaries of the 26 counties that are seeking to expand their territories.

He said issues to do with boundaries should be left to the national government.

“In any case, the boundary between Meru and Isiolo is known. So why waste time on a non-issue?” he said.

(READ: Meru-Isiolo clashes blamed on projects)

Mr Kaparo urged local politicians to unite the people. “Politicians are better placed to broker peace among the people,” Mr Kaparo said.

NCIC chairman Francis Ole Kaparo on Wednesday said the Meru and Borana people were responsible for the conflict, arguing that some individuals were hiding criminals.

Mr Kaparo who chaired the Nyambene leaders meeting at Laare town said politicians could not be accused for the differences between the two that have been aggravated by cattle rustling and highway banditry.

But Mr Kaparo noted that solutions to boundary issued should be left to the state.

“In any case, the boundary between Meru and Isiolo is known. Why waste time on a non-issue?” To get political support to change the county boundaries is like going to the sun.

UNITE COMMUNITIES

It is likely that there will be no quorum when these matters are taken to Parliament because it does not attract attention and it is unnecessary,” he said.

He, however, noted that they (politicians) are among the better placed institutions to unite the two communities by preaching peace.

Locals led by Igembe Central MP Kubai Kiringo, Igembe North MP Joseph M’Eruaki and former Ntonyiri MP Maoka Maore claimed the government has failed to protect its citizens against aggression by their Borana neighbours.

Mr Maore who was first to speak said cattle rustling should be made a capital offense punishable by the law.

The former legislator said those who kill and maim in the name of outdated practices should be arrested and prosecuted.

“It is irresponsible for the government to sit and watch as criminals strike at will. In the last 97 days since the deadliest attack that left about seven people dead, no activity has been going on in some parts of Igembe North. Where is the government?” he asked.

CATTLE RUSTLING

Mr Kiringo accused some administrators of abating cattle rustling by not revealing criminals.

He claimed that since 2010, animals worth Sh429 million have been stolen by the attackers from Isiolo and Samburu counties.

“We have forwarded a list of the victims and the number of their stolen livestock to President Uhuru Kenyatta. But our big question is, do we have the government machinery to know where these animals are taken and why they are never recovered?

“Why is the government protecting criminals in the name of administrators and yet stolen property passes through their jurisdictions?” The MP asked.

NCIC Commissioner Morris Dzoro and Meru County Commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga were also in attendance.

Wednesday's meeting was also attended by top police bosses and Deputy County Commissioners.

On Thursday, Mr Kaparo and his team will hold a joint meeting between Meru and Isiolo leaders in the Meru National Park.