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Kisii MPs fault new Borabu boundaries

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Published on Saturday, 28 January 2012 18:58

Five Gusii MPs have protested the manner in which 10 proposed newconstituencies in Nyanza province have been distributed. The legislators say Kitutu Masaba constituency deservesto be subdivided alongside North Mugirango/Borabu, Bomachoge and Kitutu Chacheto make four new electoral units in Gusiiland.

The leaders particularly opposed the the shifting of five wards from Kitutu Masaba to the proposed Borabu constituency while hiving off Kiangeni division to North Mugirango.

The MPs, Walter Nyambati (Kitutu Masaba), Wilfred Ombui(North Mugirango/Borabu), Robert Monda (Nyaribari Chache), Simon Ogari(Bomachoge) and George Nyamweya(nominated) and businessman Patric Osero said their community has been givena low deal by the defunct Ligale commission and vowed to ensure Kitutu Masaba issplit. "We have always called for the split of North Mugirango/Borabu based on the existing administrative boundaries,"said Osero.

The proposed Borabu constituency has a population of 73, 443 and covers  248.3 square kilometres. "Historically, Borabu is a settlement scheme with all the seven clans of Omogusii. Bringing the Kitutu people to Borabu constituency is bringing a predominant clan to control the affairs of the constituency,” said Osero.

Briefing journalists in Nyamira after theIndependent Electoral Boundaries Commission's public hearings, Nyambati read political mischief in the whole matter andwondered why constituencies like Migori and Rangwe were split yet they havefewer residents compared to Kitutu Masaba.

Nyambati said Gusii leaders will pursue the matter tothe end to ensure that impunity does not deny them what is rightfully theirs. “We deserve a constituency of our own. Where did Ligale get this idea of joining us to Borabu? Either give us a constituency or leave us intact,” said Nyambati.

Nyamweya noted that the defunct Ligale Commission ''didnot follow suggestions of the public'' in reviewing boundaries, adding: ''TheIEBC has the obligation of heeding public opinion if it wants to get their confidence.'' He said this is why Parliament declined to have theLigale report gazetted as this could have sealed avenues for complaints. Nyamweya exuded confidence that the IEBC will executeits mandate without fear or intimidation.

The sentiments were shared by Dr Monda who noted thatthe IEBC should not hoodwink Kenyans with public hearings if it will notrectify the errors in the proposal which has attracted uproar across thecountry.

Ombui noted that some constituencies likethe proposed Borabu should be given five instead of four wards because they areexpansive. Ogari noted that residents oppose the amalgamation ofparts of existing constituencies to make a new one due to cultural, historicaland family ties that should be respected.