Do not divide Rift Valley, Moi tells boundary review team

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by Philip Ruto and Karanja Njoroge

Former President Moi is against sub-division of the Rift Valley Province.He said in a four-point memorandum presented to the Interim Independent Boundary Review Commission (IIBRC) at the Nakuru Municipal Old Town Hall that the vast province is home to all Kenyan communities and any attempt to divide it into smaller units would inflame ethnic passions.

He said ethnic harmony is better guaranteed if the province remains as one unit.

Moi also told the Andrew Ligale-chaired commission districts created along constituency boundaries are unacceptable as constituency is not the only reason for carving out a district.

He, however, said he supports the creation of new constituencies in urban areas, which he noted should be considered on account of population, geographical factors, community interests and resource distribution.

"Urban constituencies are necessary to bring the management of public affairs close to the people," he said.

Former Cabinet Minister Nicholas Biwott said the current provincial boundaries should be maintained for stability. Biwott, who presented the views of the National Vision Party, said the sub-provinces recently created should be reconstituted after wide consultation with leaders and other stakeholders.

He suggested that Mt Elgon District in Western Province be brought under Rift Valley Province.

Meanwhile, sharp differences emerged between ODM and PNU MPs during the presentation of views to IIBRC in Nakuru.

The MPs presented different proposals on the methodology of creating new constituencies during the deliberations.