Storm over review of wards in 60 constituencies

By VITALIS KIMUTAI and PETER OPIYO

There is fresh controversy over creation of new electoral boundaries sparked by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament.

This follows some of its recommendations for changes to the report by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Creating 60 new wards in 57 constituencies has divided MPs, with some stating it had overstepped its mandate in 28 counties.

However, the committee agrees with the IEBC that the country should have 290 constituencies, 80 more than the current.

Among those opposed to any alterations of the IEBC report on the delimitation of electoral boundaries are joint Government Chief Whip Jakoyo Midiwo, Lands Minister James Orengo, and Kisumu Town East MP, Olago-Aluoch.

They argue that the committee overstepped its mandate when it altered the report instead of making recommendations.

Debate on constituency boundaries and creation of new wards often got emotional when Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission members toured the country soliciting wananchi’s views. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

"MPs are worried that the committee is altering the boundaries of constituencies and county wards as we speak. Last night, I received over 20 calls," Midiwo told Parliament.

But Juja MP, William Kabogo and Ikolomani MP, Boni Khalwale defended the committee, saying it was undertaking its mandate as outlined in the Constitution and the IEBC Act.

"The committee should be allowed to look at the report and make recommendations to the House. The House will then hand over the report to the IEBC, and allow it to exercise its independence in the delimitation of boundaries," said Khalwale.

Committee Chairman Ababu Namwamba and members Millie Odhiambo (nominated) and Abdikadir Mohammed also defended their actions, saying the law was clear on their role and that they had adhered to the law.

Proposed constituencies

A revised report on delimitation of boundaries tabled in Parliament yesterday by the committee vice-chairman, Njoroge Baiya, proposes the creation of 1,510 wards in the constituencies as opposed to the 1,450 IEBC recommended.

The electoral body presented its revised report of proposed constituencies and ward boundaries to the committee on February 9. The report included written submissions from the public.

The committee stated that IEBC should respect the administrative boundaries in creating new units.

Other members of the committee are Abdikadir Mohamed, Mutava Musyimi, George Nyamweya, Amina Abdalla, Olago Aluoch, Isaac Ruto, Eugene Wamalwa, and Sophia Abdi.

The committee, majority of which requested for realignment of wards and ward boundaries, received a total of 500 memoranda on the report.

"The process of boundaries delimitation requires detailed analysis of population, geographical features, urban centres, community interests, historical, economic and cultural ties, and means of communication," the report states.

The committee poked holes at the IEBC report, saying it only considered population before recommending delimitation.

"As such, the IEBC increased the wards to 1,510 to accommodate other constitutional criteria," reads the report.

The Constitution states that the delimitation of boundaries be done at intervals of not less than eight years, and not more than 12 years.

If the report were adopted, Nakuru would become the biggest beneficiary in the delimitation, with Gilgil, Molo, Njoro, Kuresoi, South, Kuresoi North, Nakuru Town West getting an extra ward each.

Kisii, Kericho, Turkana and Garrisa would get four more wards each, while Wajir, Marsabit, Baringo, Migori and Bungoma counties would gain three extra wards, each.

Two extra wards were given to Nairobi, Busia, Kajiado, Narok and Laikipia counties. Those that would get one ward each include Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Mandera, Isiolo, Embu, Kirinyaga, Muranga, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Nyamira counties.

In Embakasi East constituency, IEBC was asked to confirm that Saba and Upper Savannah wards that are equal in size and population were two different wards. It recommended renaming of Savannah to Jacaranda or Soweto and Upper Savannah to Savannah.

The committee recommended creation of three wards in North Horr constituency – Kalacha, Galasa, and Balesa.

The commission was asked to transfer Kivou ward from Mwingi West to Mwingi East constituency, and to rename Mwalano ward as Kyome or Thaana ward.

The committee wants Ol Kalou constituency renamed Kalau and Ol Joro-orok constituency called Chamuka.

It has recommended that Kesses constituency be renamed Tarakwa, Chesumei be changed to Emgwen North, Baringo South to Mchongoi, and Baringo East to Tiatiy. The committee rejected calls for creation of an additional constituency saying it was not justified.

The report further states that an additional ward each be created in Kuresoi South and Kuresoi North constituencies to cater for the marginalised Ogiek community.

It asked IEBC to consider splitting Kaptembwa East ward, which has a population of 70,352, to ensure equal representation.

The committee said Kiptere ward be retained in Sigowet constituency in Kericho County, while Roronya and Chemoiben sub-locations be transferred from Litein ward to Kapkatet ward, based on community interest and geographical features.

It also recommended that Kalyet ward be moved to Kipkelion West constituency, while Londiani ward should be renamed Sorget with an additional ward called Kapseger in Kipkelion West.

In Bomet County, the committee proposed that Chepkeigei sub-location be moved to Ndanai Abosi ward for economic proximity, and an additional ward be considered for Kapletundo.

It recommended that the boundary for Kericho and Bomet counties be retained, as per the Kenya Gazette supplement No.53 of 1992 and the Districts and Provinces Act and Kenya Gazette supplement No 54 of 1996.

It proposed the renaming of Embomos ward in Konoin constituency to Cheptalal, and said the old Mogongo road should be the boundary between Changamwe and Jomvu constituencies, and Miritini ward is retained in Changamwe.

Changamwe ward was proposed to be retained in Jomvu constituency, but be renamed Magongo, and IEBC should consider adding an extra constituency to maintain equity in the wards between the two constituencies.

Balancing populations

The committee also recommended the retention of the natural geographical boundary of Kilifi Creek between Kilifi North and Kilifi South, subject to balancing of populations in the constituencies.

River Sabaki and Mida Creek should be the natural boundary between Magarini and Malindi constituencies, while one more ward should be created in Malindi constituency.

The parliamentary team also recommended creation of another ward in Lamu East comprising of Faza, Kiunga, Kizingitini and Patae, and that Faza ward be divided to balance the population.

In Garissa County, the IEBC was asked to resolve issues relating to the delimitation of Balambala and Daadab constituencies.

Subject to confirmation of constituency boundaries between Lagdera and Dujis by the IEBC, said the committee, the location of Alangio and Arbo should revert to Dadaab.

It was recommended that Ijara constituency get additional wards on a special case basis, owing to its geographical features, means of communication, and community interests.

The committee recommended that IEBC redistribute six wards as follows: Benane Ward comprising of Sala, Serif, Turguta, Dabley, Shimbir and Bull locations.

Also proposed is Burder ward comprising of Burder, Rababale, Abaq, Dere, Welgaras, Macheza, Eyrip, Qogar and Biliburbur locations. It recommended creation of Dadaja Bulla ward comprising of Dadaja Bulla, Getwab, Garaska, Broon, Ilima Dagol and Qorduma locations.

Others are Ibrahim Ure ward comprising Argani, Wajir-Bor South, Handaki, Gerilley, Gullet Dere, Diif, and Salalma, Hambalash & Agtalahel locations.

Leheley ward comprising Leheley, Kulaaley, Elado, Hubsoy, Sukela, Lagboghol South, Kursin, & Ali Dumal locations; Habaswein ward comprising Dagahley, Sabuli, Meri, Abakore, Dilmanyale, Dulgub, Habaswein, Kibilay, Kiwanja Ndege, Tesore, Mathahlibay, Abore and QotQot locations; and Leheley ward comprising Leheley, Kulaaley, Elado, Hubsoy, Sukela, Lagboghol South, Kursin, & Ali Dumal locations.