Cracks emerge among pastoralists leaders

Leaders from pastoralist communities led by Mandera senator Billow Kerrow during the Pastoralist Leadership Summit

Only fortnight ago, leaders from the pastoralist communities resolved to form a political party ahead of the 2017 polls.

However, some leaders have dismissed the plan, and said it was premature and required greater consultations.

Among the critics were National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale who said leaders from the pastoral counties were part of the Jubilee Coalition and major beneficiaries of key State appointments.

The Garissa Township MP from the United Republican Party said: Let us remain united and strive to achieve our goals.”

However, some disagreed and said the aspirations of pastoralists were not being fulfilled under Jubilee. Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok of CORD said the Jubilee administration was not effectively serving them   and urged residents to join the opposition coalition.

The need for consultation was further emphasised by Isiolo North MP Joseph Samal (URP) who said a new party would only make sense “if it is going to improve the well-being of pastoralist communities.”

Jubilee’s commitment to pastoralist groups was also questioned by ODM Secretary General Ababu Namwamba.  “The majority of elected leaders from the pastoralist communities believe in CORD and the social democracy the party stands for. In as much as everyone has a right to join any political party, I would urge those in our party not to leave a big house for a small hut”.

Jubilee Party steering committee co-chairman Kiraitu Murungi also waded into the debate  and said none of their elected leaders would join a new political party. “Our members have confirmed they are not leaving. There is no need for a small party when issues pastoralists hold dear are being taken care of in Jubilee,” said the Meru Senator.

Five governors, seven senators, 70 MPs, County Assembly speakers and a host of MCAs from 14 counties resolved to  form their own political vehicle during the three-day Pastoralist Leadership Summit (PLS) at the Samburu Simba Lodge in Isiolo County recently.

“PLS members resolved to form a political party as  a vehicle that will be used for in 2017 by the national and county leadership,” a statement by PLS leader Billow Kerrow (Mandera Senator, URP) said.

The statement further read: “Members agreed after lengthy deliberations that it is necessary to secure an independent platform for advancing the common political interest and aspiration of the pastoralist people in Kenya’. In attendance were Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro, who is also the PLS chairman, and Turkana Senator John Munyes (Ford-Kenya).