Kuttuny loses cool, smashes mike as chaos mars boundaries hearing

By Osinde Obare

The Interim Independent Boundary Review Commission (IIBRC) sitting in Kitale turned chaotic when Cherangany MP Joshua Kuttuny smashed a microphone as tempers flared.

Trouble started when a resident from Cherangany rose to present his proposal but was shouted down by the MP who argued that only he had mandate to represent the constituency.

Kuttuny smashed the microphone against the table prompting IIBRC chairman Andrew Ligale to order police to eject all the leaders from the hall, and only allowed them in turns.

Mr Ligale then asked leaders from Saboti to enter the Hall and present their proposals while those from Cherangany and Kwanza waited outside.

More trouble riddled the sitting when former nominated MP Samuel Moiben declared there could be no peace in the district until a constituency was created to serve the interests of the Sabaot community, amid heckling from some leaders.

Provocative words

"For decades our community has lacked political representation but this time round we need our own constituency or else there shall be no peace in Trans-Nzoia District," he said.

Ligale rose up and admonished Moiben for uttering provocative words that could incite residents.

"We are here for an important function and I can’t allow you incite leaders," Ligale told the former MP.

Calm returned when Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and nominated councillor Pius arap Kauka pleaded with leaders to exercise restraint.

Saboti parliamentary hopeful Wafula Motacho accused some leaders of promoting ethnic animosity in public.

Wamalwa supported calls by leaders for the split of Saboti constituency and additional administrative units, which he said, would bring services closer to the people.

Leaders agreed that Saboti be split into three with one constituency to serve the interests of the Sabaot community.

Ligale denied reports that he would transfer Trans-Nzoia District to Western Province.