Politicians from Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties have been cautioned by Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki not to incite locals over land disputes, particularly close to the two counties' boundaries.
Along the border of the two counties, there has been a struggle over land ownership and a boundary dispute for many years, leading to violent altercations between locals.
At a thanksgiving service held at the MCK church in Marimanti Market, Tharaka Nithi County, Kindiki stated that although the boundary was not a major problem, politicians were exaggerating it for political gain.
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The conflict has been more pronounced during the electioneering periods as politicians try to project themselves as 'land-rights defenders'. Thousands of people have been killed and injured in these conflicts.
"Don't incite ordinary people who are in trouble to hate their neighbours, take the law into their own hands and commit crimes. Let's look for votes in other ways. Let's put politics aside from security issues, leave it to me and the cs for security in Kenya, I will find a way to solve security between Meru and Tharaka Nithi," said Kindiki.
According to Mp Shandrack Mwiti of Imenti South, whose district is near the border, the Ogongo Commission must be implemented, as well as the Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders from Meru and Tharaka Nithi.
He applauded the Kindiki's action and added that title documents must be provided according to each individual's place of residence.
Mwiti urged the communities to coexist as a single family and expressed hope that the long-running issue would soon be resolved.
