Bura MP Ali Wario. He has urged leaders from Garissa and Kitui to be careful of their utterances. [Photo/kenyanlife.com]
Bura MP Ali Wario has urged leaders from Garissa and Kitui counties to refrain from divisive statements.
Mr. Wario said it’s the responsibility of leaders to ensure communities maintain peace and peaceful co-existence.
The MP was reacting to comments made by Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai who issued a 10-day ultimatum for Garissa herders to leave his constituency.
Speaking to the press in Madogo in his constituency, MP Wario said such statements could create conflict between the two communities.
Mr. Wario said talks between leaders from the two counties are underway to resolve the conflict caused by herders crossing into Kitui during drought.
“I urge leaders to tone down their utterances to avoid breeding animosity between communities. It is inappropriate for Kitui MP to issue such a directive.”
“I have talked to my people. We are in agreement that we are neighbors and we have to accommodate and accept each other,” he said.
Leaders from Garissa County have also criticised MP Mbai for issuing the directive saying the move was wrong.
Balambala MP Abdi Shurie and Garissa Woman Representative Annab Subow said the order from the MP could stir disharmony between residents of the two counties and even cause conflict.
“The order by the MP could cause conflict between herders from the two counties. We demand an immediate apology from the MP. Otherwise, he will be personally held responsible for anything resulting from his unfortunate statements,” said Ms. Subow.
Herders from Garissa were crossing over into Kitui in search of water and pasture following drought in the Northern region.
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