A section of the Sengwer community members living in Trans Nzoia, West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties have endorsed the Constitutional Amendment Bill that has proposed an increase in the number of counties from the current 47 to 56.
Addressing the media in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Sengwer community spokesperson Dickson Rotich said the bill is timely and called for speedy passage to pave the way for other constitutional processes to take place.
Rotich dismissed allegations that the community is opposed to the Sabaot community’s quest to have their own county.
“We know that every community deserves to be represented in positions of leadership. Sabaot community like other communities in Kenya are justified in their quest and it is not true that we oppose them,” said the Sengwer community spokesperson.
In addition, he said the creation of 9 extra counties as proposed will bring services closer to people especially minority and marginalized communities.
This was emphasized by John Tirop who also said in the spirit of inclusivity, the marginalized communities should be allowed to govern themselves in their devolved units.
“Marginalized communities have not enjoyed the fruits of devolution ten years down the line and we therefore do not see any reason why they should not be allowed to have their own counties for fair representation,” Tirop said.
Trans Nzoia East County
Meanwhile, Sabaot community elders led by Francis Chemwor, Willy Kapkara and anthropologist Peter Chemasuet said they will not relent in their quest to have Mt. Elgon County.
Over the weekend, Chepsiro/Kiptoror ward Member of County Assembly Kipchumba Birir said Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya does not have the power to oppose the creation of additional counties.
Birir further proposed the creation of Trans Nzoia East County to bring more resources closer to people and also the creation of more employment opportunities.
“We are wondering why somebody is opposing a bill that brings a lot of benefits to our people. Busia, Kitui, Baringo, Migori and Bungoma Governors have not opposed the proposed counties. Why is Governor Natembeya opposing it?” the MCA asked.
“Apart from the proposed Mt. Elgon County, I think we should also have another county bringing together Kwanza and Cherang’any constituencies. This will bring an additional 16 billion shillings to this region,” he added.
A proposal to hive part of Trans Nzoia to pave the way for a new Mount Elgon County has since elicited mixed reactions with Governor Natembeya openly opposed to it.
