Moi: Splitting province will widen rift among residents

By Peter Mutai

Former President Moi has called for an end to the debate over splitting the Rift Valley Province.

Moi warned politicians against pushing for the split, saying it would fuel conflicts among communities.

He said the proposal was ill-advised and would create conflicting entities.

The former Head of State wondered why "outsiders" were agitating for the division yet residents had not been consulted.

Former President Daniel arap Moi at the funeral of Thomas Chepkwonyt arap Tele in Laliat village, Kericho, yesterday. [PHOTO: SOLOMON TALLAM/ STANDARD]

He said the matter should be left to the residents and their leaders.

"Rift Valley residents will have the last word on whether the province should be split," he said.

This was the second time Moi has opposed the proposal to create more provinces in the region.

His son, Gideon, the first Kanu vice-chairman, and a number of Rift Valley MPs have also opposed the split.

Unity important

Speaking during the burial of Thomas Tele in Laliat, Ainamoi, Moi said unity was important, especially in the region.

Tele, 90, was a prominent farmer and a religious leader.

He is survived by a widow, Rachel, 12 children, 57 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.

"We will not allow outsiders to dictate to us on issues touching our province. Leaders from the region have not supported the idea," Moi told hundreds of mourners.

He likened the region to an elephant that would never be tired of its huge task.

Ainamoi MP Benjamin Lang’at, former nominated MP Ezekiel Barng’etuny and Moi’s private secretaries Lee Njiru and John Lokorio attended the burial.

Oppose split

Mr Lang’at said local leaders and residents would rally behind the former president to oppose the split.

"Moi has been President and understands the implication of splitting the province. We want him to provide direction on the matter," he said.

He also asked Moi to advise on the constitutional review process.