Central leaders read mischief in boundaries

by David Ochami and Wairimu Kamande

Leaders in Central Province claim electoral laws and boundaries are disenfranchising the region and favouring less populated areas.

They said constituencies should be based on equal population and not size, expanse or geography.

On Sunday, Nairobi Metropolitan Development Minister Robinson Githae and Chief Whip George Thuo claimed the province has been denied effective representation in Parliament through unrealistic electoral borders.

They said the alleged skewed demarcation of electoral borders is a historical injustice, which should be corrected when the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission redraws borders.

The minister told a church service at Ruiru PCEA that local leaders must "speak in one voice" when the boundaries review begins and focus on "the bigger picture" to deflect alleged conspiracies against Central.

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Mr Githae claimed the numerical voter strength of Central Province has been undermined by a skewed formula that equalises it to that of less populated areas.

Deserves many seats

Using the example of Juja constituency with about 150,000 voters and Ijara with 12,000, the minister claimed the two areas should not be accorded equal strength in Parliament.

Mr Thuo said the principle of equal representation has been turned on its head to punish Central Province.

"Representation is for people not trees," said the Juja MP who added: "We cannot say that because one tribe is big, we reduce their vote."

He said Central Province would not allow reforms that would perpetuate injustices.