Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama says Keroka residents will play a key role in solving the impasse between Kisii and Nyamira Counties over ownership of the town.
This comes a meeting in Nairobi last week resolved formation of a joint committee that will engage town residents in finding the truth behind the border row.
Nyagarama said the public would help combat future skirmishes in the town that has otherwise witnesses’ clashes in the past two months.
“I want to say that its Keroka residents who will help us solve this crisis. They have stayed in the region for many years and they know the truth on ownership,” he said.
“Though we had a fruitful discussion last week, I think public participation is the only remaining option and that is why we want the joint committee to involve the public. They will help us come to a consensus,” he added.
He said his government was ready to demand National Lands Commission to show it the exact demarcations so that each side manages its part.
“I have always been of the opinion that each side is shown where they own because we have maps that can help us identify the place. This will enable everyone to manage his or her side but for the sake of diplomacy, it’s important that we involve the public first and that is our stand as per now,” he added.