[Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery. North Eastern residents have queries on the creation of more administrative offices in the run up to the elections.] (the-star.co.ke)Suspicion is gripping North Eastern region following resolution by the national government to create more administrative units with elections slightly over one month away.
Bura East, Tiaty East, Kotulo, Oloilalai, Ealang’ata-Wuas, Bananey, Togaren and Igambang’ombe are the latest sub counties to be created by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery.
Residents of Wajir and Mandera have questioned the motive of the move days into an election.
In Wajir Bananey was made a sub county with its headquarters in Sarif town with residents accusing a powerful politician in the area of using his powers to gain political fame.
During President Uhuru Kenyatta’s last visit to Wajir in a bid to win residents’ support, he announced that three divisions will be elevated to sub county level.
Local political analysts termed the move continued efforts by the government to manipulate locals with the aim of undermining development initiated by area leaders.
They said the Jubilee administration had sensed defeat and had embarked on dishing out goodies to win public sympathy.
“The local administrative system in pastoralist communities is characterized by inadequate capacity, and the declaration of new districts has only exacerbated the situation,” said Mohamud Abdow, a political analyst.
Nkaissery said the units’ creation will enhance coordination of national government functions and service delivery at the grassroots.
In Mandera, residents are said to be planning to petition Nkaissery’s move to create the administrative units.