South Imenti leaders suspend subdivision to push for third unit

Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, Water PS Joseph Irungu (second right), Imenti South MP Kathuri Murungi (third left), Water CEC Eunice Kobia (left) and Meru Water and Sewerage Services (MEWASS) CEO Joseph Mberia tour the Nkubu Water Supply Plant. [Olivia Murithi,/Standard]

Some local leaders have insisted South Imenti should be split into three sub-counties instead of two as earlier planned.

Last year, the Government announced plans to split Eastern's largest constituency into two sub-counties, with headquarters at Nkubu Town and Igoji market.

However, local leaders have been pushing for a third sub-county with a seat at Kanyakine market.

The leaders told a meeting chaired by area Deputy County Commissioner Mugo Gichiri that they still want to have three sub-counties, comprising two wards each.

They said even the residents wanted three sub-counties to bring services closer to them. This will also accord them many opportunities, for instance during recruitment by security forces as well as hiring of civil servants.

"We have a strong economy and the population to warrant three sub-counties. It will also be of historical importance to have three distinct sub-counties," said area MP Kathuri Murungi.

The push for a third sub-county is believed to be out of the fear of marginalisation in case any of the three clans - Igoji, Abogeta and Nkuene - is put in a sub-county dominated by another.

Igoji East and Igoji West wards will be part of the proposed Imenti West sub-county with headquarters at Igoji market, according to a proposal to be sent to the President.

Abogeta West and Abogeta East wards will form another sub-county to be called Imenti East to be headquartered at Kanyakine, while Nkuene and Mitunguu wards will be retained in South Imenti with its headquarters at Nkubu.

“The good thing is all the proposed units currently have offices capable of hosting the headquarters," said Murungi.

With 177,000 registered voters in 2017, South Imenti was the most populated in Eastern, and also the most prosperous rural constituency.

“The county agrees with locals the three sub-counties should be granted concurrently,” said Al Hajj Mwendia, the director of events.