The West Pokot national and county governments’ top leaderships have asked political leaders in the region to weigh their statements when making public addresses to help stamp out cases of insecurity.
County Commissioner (CC) Apollo Okello and his county government counterpart, Governor Simon Kachapin, warned those leaders within the county fond of making misguiding statements that are likely to lead to a breach of peace in some areas where conflicts have been witnessed.
Okello stated that the national government was committed to ensuring the utmost security in some pockets of the county where insecurities have been experienced.
“We currently have National Police Reservists (NPR) recruits undergoing training at Chesta Teachers’ Training College, and they shall be deployed in all learning institutions that have been closed down due to insecurity. The Cabinet Secretary for Interior visited the troubled areas and announced measures to ensure the schools are reopened,” said the CC.
He appealed to all leaders to tame their tongues, saying the government is monitoring those leaders who have been making statements that are likely to incite the common citizen.
He said the schools shall be opened and food rations supplied to the institutions that were deserted for a smooth reopening next year.
“What we want is to see people live harmoniously with their neighbours. We have pockets of areas that have security challenges, but what I am appealing to leaders is that let us work together for peaceful coexistence in those areas,” appealed Okello.
He said every school in the affected areas shall have at least five NPRs to ensure learning continues in the areas.
Similar sentiments were shared by Governor Kachapin, who lashed out at some political leaders whom he termed as taking advantage of the insecurity situations in some parts of the county to advance their selfish political ambitions.
He regretted that some of the leaders had been skipping national events in the disguise that the government was keeping quiet on matters of security in the region.
“Some leaders decided to keep off from the recent International Day for Disabilities on the pretext that insecurity was not being addressed. This is not gentle because the disability community may have wanted to hear from their leaders what contingency plans their leaders have for them,” the governor highlighted.
He warned residents against falling prey to leaders who incite to gain political mileage.
Kachapin pointed out that administrative boundaries should not be the basis for conflicts since, after all, they were created by the colonial masters; otherwise, different communities used to coexist before.
“We gained self-independence so that we can handle our issues, thanks to the 2010 Constitution that introduced devolution. We should take this advantage and enhance development in our areas rather than feuding,” advised the governor.
Kachapin said he has no time to engage in the war of words with leaders propagating hatred and discord in the region, saying that West Pokot County is a land full of hidden potential.
He reiterated that no community or county can thrive in isolation, noting that even Kenya depends on the global community for its development.
He cited that the county has potential for mining and agricultural activities, welcoming all communities to come and invest in the region.
The governor tendered his commitment by heavily investing in education and healthcare so that residents could feel the gains of Kenya’s independence.
Speaking during this year’s 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations held at Makutano Stadium in Kapenguria, the two county bosses promised to collaborate to ensure the issue of insecurity in the region is nabbed in the bud.
By Richard Muhambe
