Support Cord instead of forming pastoralists party, says Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok

Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok

Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok has dismissed plans to form a new party bringing together pastoralist communities and urged residents to support the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord).

Nanok said the move to have a new party is an indication that the Jubilee Coalition is not efficiently providing service to the people.

Speaking in Lodwar, Nanok hit out at leaders from the region, majorly affiliated to Jubilee, who were among those who resolved to come up with their own political vehicle during the Pastoralist Leadership Summit held last weekend at the Samburu Simba Lodge in Isiolo County.

"The formation of a new party by the leaders is a sign that Jubilee is not working for them as expected. Give CORD a chance and we will show you the right way to go," said the Governor.

More than 70 leaders from the pastoralist counties; Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Laikipia, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, Lamu, Kajiado and Narok decided to come up with their own party to act as a negotiating tool come 2017.

In the resolution read out by Mandera Senator and summit's president Billow Kerrow, the party brings together a people with common interests and aspirations.

"The members agreed after a lengthy deliberation that it is necessary to secure an independent platform for advancing the common political interest and aspirations of the pastoralist people in Kenya," said Kerrow.

An executive committee meeting will be held this week to check on the progress of the yet to be registered party.

"We have a meeting with the 21 members of the executive committee to deliberate the party's progress. We are determined to ensure it is done as soon as possible," said Kerrow.

Some of the provisional names forwarded to the Registrar of Political Parties include Justice and Development Party of Kenya, Equity and Justice Party of Kenya, Pastoralist Party of Kenya and Wafugaji Party.

Other governors who attended the summit were Mr. Moses Lenolkulal (Samburu), Mr. Nathif Jama (Garissa) and Mr. Ukur Yattani (Marsabit).