Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich has urged residents of Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties to coexist harmoniously and shun division over land issues.
Speaking at a meeting held at Ugoti, Igembe South sub-county, on Monday, Rotich regretted the many lives that had been lost due to land disputes between residents of the two regions. “It is so unfortunate to lose the lives of our beloved ones over land disputes,” he maintained.
The meeting was attended by residents of Tharaka Nithi, Igembe South and Tigania Central, all of whom urged the government to assist in solving the many land disputes in the region.
They also asked the government to address the rising cases of insecurity in the region, assuring them of their support.
Rotich was flanked by, among others, Meru County Commissioner Fred Dunga, his Tharaka Nithi counterpart Nobert Komora, and Igembe South deputy County Commissioner Noah Kibet.
He reminded the residents that, though they resided in neighbouring counties, they were one people, which is why they should remain calm and avoid any verbal or physical engagement.
“We are one people, brothers and sisters, and we live in one Kenya. We should not fight one another but should love one another and be our brother’s keeper,” Rotich urged.
The coordinator expressed his commitment to ensure the two counties’ border disputes become a thing of the past, stressing, “My biggest project in the Eastern region is to end the disputes surrounding the boundary. We have intermarried with our neighbors and it is painful to see our in-laws dying.”
He further promised to engage the Njuri Ncheke council of elders in efforts to realise long-lasting peace in the region, as well as the two county commissioners and the two land offices.
Meru County Commissioner Fred Dunga echoed the regional commissioner’s sentiments and urged residents to support security agencies in the war against crime.
By Kamanja Maeria and Edith Mwendwa
