Land injustices and ethnic antagonism are the two issues affecting the people of Nakuru, a task force has been told.
Speaking during Building Bridges initiative task force sitting in Nakuru on Wednesday, residents said the two issues have been causing problems in the county.
The citizen engagement forum by the task force was held at Imani Guest house.
Former Subukia MP Koigi wa Wamwere told the Yusuf Haji-led taskforce that tribalism is a disease that has messed the country.
“We have to agree that tribalism and lack of inclusivity are affecting us and we have to do away with them. We have to start ensuring nationalism in all sectors,” said Koigi.
Similar sentiments were echoed by former Molo MP Njenga Mungai who said that the rights of Nakuru people have been neglected.
While citing the land injustices in areas of Molo, the former legislator called on the government to ensure there is proper titling to end land ownership conflicts.
“Issues of land in Molo should be addressed through titling to avert conflicts. We also need to support the DPP that those mentioned in corruption cases while in office should step down and allow investigations,” said Mungai.
Nakuru Deputy Governor Erick Korir lauded the initiative saying it will help address the challenges affecting Nakuru.
“We know Nakuru as the hotpot of Kenya’s politics thus when Nakuru is at peace then the whole nation is at peace,” said Dr Korir.
The Building Bridges initiative taskforce has a year to prepare a comprehensive report on the issues affecting Kenyans, although it shall make periodically written recommendations for action by the government.
The team was appointed on April 30, 2018, by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga after the March 9 unity pact.
The team which has so far visted 17 counties is expected to present its report in May.
Addressing media in Nakuru after the forum, the BBI taskforce vice chair Adams Oloo said they are optimistic that the will present their report in time.
“We were gazetted on May 24th but we didn’t start work until October. Therefore if at the time that the gazette notice states that we should have ended but we realize we need more time then we shall use the clause in the notice to request additional time but as for now we are working within the timeline,” Oloo said.
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