Opposition leader Raila Odinga was on Sunday hosted by Kipsigis Council of Elders in Kericho County.

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Raila supported calls by the elders to oppose the diversion of water in Mau to Nakuru County for the Itare Dam project.

The Cord leader said that diversion of the water will result in the drying up of seven main rivers flowing to Lake Victoria, calling for an immediate stop of the Sh34 billion project.

He said that Chemosit, Amalo, Chepkulo, Kipsonoi, Songol, sondu Miriu, Gucha, Mara, Migori and Nyando rivers will be adversely affected by the project.

The opposition chief also said Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira, Kisii, Migori, Homa Bay and Kisumu counties will also be affected.

Leaders who accompanied Raila in Bureti also urged the Kipsigis community not to accept the diversion.

They were: Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, Josephat Nanok (Turkana) and Amazon Kingi (Kilifi), Siaya Senator James Orengo, MP’s John Mbadi, Junet Mohammed and Elizabeth Ongoro.

Kipsigis Council of Elders sued the state over its plans to divert water from a catchment area to Itare Dam on September 17.

Led by Chairman Joseph Kimetto, they moved to the Nakuru High Court to stop the national government from proceeding with the plan.

However, Justice Maureen Odero declined to issue orders restraining and stopping the ongoing construction of the dam until the file is brought before her.

The court postponed the matter to a later date since the file was yet to be received from a Mombasa court.

The elders alleged that Water CS Eugene Wamalwa, during his visit to Kericho County, promised to supply water once the dam is complete.