Tiaty Member of Parliament, William Kamket, has recently voiced strong concerns over the creation of new sub-counties in the volatile regions of Baringo County. In a move that has sparked controversy, the establishment of Suguta and Ilchamus sub-counties in disputed areas has been seen as a potential threat to the hard-won peace that the region has enjoyed for nearly a year. Kamket, addressing the matter in Tiaty on Saturday, stressed that the recent administrative changes could destabilize the region and set off fresh conflict between communities already embroiled in disputes over land and boundaries.
Criticism of Misleading Government Officials
Kamket pointed fingers at what he termed as rogue government officials who he claimed had misled Acting Cabinet Secretary of Interior, Musalia Mudavadi, in the creation of these new sub-counties. He argued that these officials exploited a gap in the understanding of the region’s complexities, particularly in areas like Suguta and Ilchamus, which have long been disputed territories between the Turkana and Pokot communities. According to Kamket, the inclusion of these areas in new administrative units could rekindle old hostilities, undoing the peace that had been painstakingly established over the past year.
Seeking Judicial Intervention
The Tiaty MP revealed that he and other leaders from the region were seeking court intervention to quash the gazetted sub-county of Suguta, particularly because of its headquarters in Kapedo, a hotspot of conflict. He expressed fears that the administrative changes could exacerbate the ongoing boundary disputes and lead to renewed violence, disrupting the fragile peace that had been maintained. Kamket also criticized the establishment of the Ilchamus sub-county, whose headquarters will be in Mukutani, noting that this area has also been contested between communities, and the creation of a new administrative unit could worsen tensions.
Government’s Justification for New Administrative Units
In response to the criticism, Mudavadi defended the creation of 578 new administrative units across the country, stating that these units were necessary to accommodate the growing population and improve access to government services. According to the CS, the new units including 27 sub-counties, 59 divisions, 170 locations, and 322 sub-locations—were aimed at addressing security challenges and bringing governance closer to the people. The rationale was to enhance service delivery in remote and underserved areas, where local populations had often felt isolated from government interventions due to their geographical and social distances from administrative centers.
Potential Implications for Peace
Despite the government’s intentions, Kamket argued that the creation of new administrative units in disputed areas could have the opposite effect, potentially leading to renewed conflict. He emphasized that the decision was rushed and lacked adequate consultation with local communities who are familiar with the socio-political dynamics of the region. The Tiaty MP suggested that the process lacked sensitivity to local issues, especially in contexts where land disputes are already sensitive and often result in violent clashes.
Kamket’s criticism reflects wider concerns among local leaders about the potential unintended consequences of administrative decisions. The MP underscored the need for a more inclusive process that involves all stakeholders, including representatives from affected communities, to ensure that peace and stability are not compromised in the quest for administrative convenience.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the formation of new sub-counties in Baringo highlights the complex interplay between administrative reforms and local peacebuilding efforts. While the creation of new administrative units might have been intended to bring government closer to the people, the lack of consultation and understanding of the region’s delicate social fabric could undermine these efforts. As the legal challenge unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the judiciary will intervene to prevent what could be a destabilizing move for the region. For now, Kamket’s call for caution serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusive governance that respects local realities and ensures that peace and stability are not sacrificed for administrative expediency.