By Kabaraji Saka Richard
A section of leaders now want the feud between Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and his deputy Bineah Kapkory solved.
The leaders say the feud was derailing development in the county.
Saboti legislator Caleb Amisi noted that the feud between the two leaders was becoming personal thus affecting development.
He further said it has already divided the county into two – between their supporters.
Speaking in his constituency, Amisi lashed out on some leaders whom he accused of sponsoring the feud between the two for political mileage.
“The thing I pray from leaders who are championing for either a Mount Elgon district or county is that that is their political right but we will differ with them if they use the push to divide locals in Saboti constituency,” the legislator said.
Amisi’s claims come as a section of Natembeya and Kapkory supporters clashed at a funeral function of a former MCA. During the clash, some of the county employees were beaten up by supporters alleged to be of the Deputy Governor.
There has also been a war of words between the supporters of the two in local WhatsApp groups after DG Kapkory wrote an official letter to the governor sighting intimidation from junior county officers.
Push for Mount Elgon County
It is believed the root cause of the feud is a move by a section of leaders from the Sabaot community – where the DG comes from – presented their views to the bipartisan talk team over the need for a creation of Mount Elgon County.
Those pushing for the county what it curved from parts of Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties.
The proposals have been publicly opposed by Governor Natembeya.
But even as he expressed opposition to split Trans Nzoia for the creation of the new county, Natembeya called on locals especially youths to desist from being used by politicians to disrupt the relevant peace being witnessed in the county.
“Let us continue living in peace. Our troubles as Trans Nzoians cannot be solved with us being divided along tribal lines,” the county boss said.
Clergy offer to mediate
With the escalation of differences between the two leaders, a section of Christian leaders have since waded into the matter, offering to mediate in bid to end the ongoing wrangles.
Led by Kitale ACK Bishop Emanuel Chemengich, the clergy offered to mediate so as to defuse the escalating scenes which have threatened the peaceful coexistence in the largely cosmopolitan County.
“Let’s give the two time to iron out their grievances to save the county and stop the polarization being witnessed now. We are there to offer help if called upon,” Bishop Emanuel Chemengich said.
The leaders say that with the new development of supporters of the two leaders clashing at events, it was threatening the peaceful existence and may hinder the development progress.
“The few case scenarios we have witnessed so far point to a way that may make the two not visit some parts of the county as they will be deemed to be controlled thus hindering development,” the clergy said.
