NCIC chair Francis Kaparo warns Nandi, Luhya leaders against incitement

Chairman of National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), Mr Francis Ole Kaparo, addresses community leaders at Kuvasali, Kakamega County on January 23, 2015. [PHOTO: BENJAMIN SAKWA]

KAKAMEGA: NCIC Chair Francis Ole Kaparo has warned leaders against inciting communities living at the border of Nandi and Kakamega counties.

Leaders found culpable of inciting two neighbouring communities living along the border point of Kakamega and Nandi counties at Kuvasali could be arrested and prosecuted.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) chairman Francis ole Kaparo who toured the area on Friday condemned the recent flare ups that rendered at least 100 families homeless after houses and crops were set ablaze.

Kaparo said NCIC will facilitate well structured talks between leaders from both counties and victims of the clashes in order to create peace.

"We shall first organize a reconciliation meeting between leaders and later mount a major public meeting for people from both Nandi and Kakamega districts focused on resolving the inter border conflict," he stated.

He regretted that property was destroyed as a result of personal differences between some individuals in the area.

Victims called on the government to move with speed in demarcating the controversial boundary and compensate them for property destroyed during the clashes.

"The government should show us distinct boundaries which should be marked. That is the only way we shall solve conflicts between the two counties,'' said John Maina.

Kaparo told government officers to execute their duties professionally and without bias in order to win public trust. He also warned residents against taking the law into their hands but to instead report to relevant authorities.

"Government officers should quickly act when called upon by wananchi when they are in distress. They should exercise their mandate without favour or fear. I also urge locals to cooperate and avoid spreading information that may incite and cause tension,'' advised Mr Kaparo.