Governor Nyangarama proposes measures to end Nyamira-Kisii conflict

Nyamira County Governor John Nyangarama has called for the implementation of proposed new measures aimed at ending the protracted boundary issues between his county and Kisii County.

In an interview with Citizen Digital on Thursday, the governor said that the clashes, which have since subsided, were caused by intrusion by tax collectors from Kisii County into Keroka, a town that lies at the border of Nyamira and Kisii Counties.

He said that for a long time, the Nyamira County Government has been collecting taxes from Keroka Town, a relatively cosmopolitan town, and using it to initiate development projects, adding that invasion from officials from Kisii County led to the clashes.

“The money collected from Keroka is not even sufficient to develop the town. We have in several occasions been forced to dig deep into our budget to fund development projects in the area.”

“We had agreed that money will be collected by Nyamira Government and channeled towards collective development projects, though this agreement has since been contravened.”

He blamed political incitement for the clashes, saying there is a possibility that local leaders are behind the new wave of attacks.

Both Nyamira and Kisii counties have been insistent in collecting revenue from traders in the area, sparking chaos that left at least two people injured.

“We have asked the national government through the county commissioners to deploy security officers to that area to restore calm. We have also put in place security measures to deal with any planned attacks,” he said.

As a way of ending the standoff, Nyangarama proposed a sit-down with officials from Kisii County to reach an amicable agreement.

“One of the solutions would be to look at where the boundary for Kisii County has reached and allow them to collect their taxes up to that point, letting Nyamira focus on its zone.”

He also stated that communities should be encouraged to embrace each other through peace campaigns that will foster unity in the area.

Nyangarama also took time to congratulate Deputy President William Ruto following the ICC decision to dismiss cases against him saying it is now time for the country and heal and move forward as one.

He called on the government to put in place measures that will ensure those affected by the post-election violence are compensated.

The governor also called on the people of Nyamira to support his administration as he strives to fulfill his pledges and help spur development in the county.

@benjaminwafula