By Kilemi Mwiria
This week yet another six lives were lost in Isiolo due to senseless violence that has characterised the town from the 1980s. Since 2009, more than 300 lives have been lost to cattle rustling, scramble for dwindling land resources and jostling for tribal supremacy. Some people believe we are witnessing a return of political thuggery.
The stakes have become higher as we move to devolved government, and more so, with the many developments that are taking place or are scheduled for implementation in the next five years.
These developments include an international airport, the railway line from Lamu, the northern corridor and the resort city. Prospects for oil discovery are high. Isiolo will be the link to Sudan and Ethiopia and key to the opening up of North Eastern Kenya. If the capital of Kenya was later to shift to a location considered central for most Kenyans, Isiolo would be the place.
The town is bordered by two national parks (Samburu and Shaba) and Mt Kenya and Meru national parks are no more than 30 minutes away. Isiolo is home to a multiplicity of ethnic groups: Meru, Boran, Turkana, Samburu and Somali, among others. The place is truly blessed.
Unfortunately, these blessings could go into flames if insecurity persists. Apart from political machinations, the Government has not done enough to ensure security. There have been complaints that the arming of home guards is discriminatory and has allowed criminals access to Government arms. In any case, guns are freely available to whoever needs one, and can afford it.
Suspected tribal inciters are up and about and are even eyeing the coming elections. Nor are county boundaries clearly defined; a matter the Government has refused to touch resulting in encroachment by some communities into others’ grazing zones. Moreover, cattle rustling and other forms of insecurity continue, notwithstanding the fact that the military and GSU have a strong presence here. Nor have successive local authorities done much to improve infrastructure, commerce and employment.
Land adjudication in the surrounding districts is yet to commence. This loophole has been exploited by those who smell wealth with the planned developments around Isiolo. Land adjudication and more efficient use of the military and GSU stationed in Isiolo can therefore go some way in improving security.
Irrespective of what these enforcement agents do, however, peace is possible only if residents of Isiolo appreciate that their diversity is what makes their town unique and potentially one of the wealthiest cities in Kenya.
With all the expected developments, there should be plenty for most Isiolo residents. But that is only possible if peace and security are guaranteed. Investors will think twice before putting their money in an area that scares away potential clients.
Lasting peace will however, be made possible by the people themselves. Local leaders have a role in organising and convening them for bonding and discussions on the benefits of peaceful coexistence.
A county government guided by an acceptable power sharing formula which accommodates the major ethnic groups will cement that peace. And unlike, a sometimes aloof central government, the Governor will have closer contacts with the ground to be able to nub potential flare ups and criminals in the bud.
The writer is MP for Tigania West and Higher Education, Science and Technology Assistant Minister
