Chaos At Keroka Market Over Boundary Row Between Kisii And Nyamira Counties
The functioning of businesses in the Keroka market was significantly disturbed throughout most of Sunday due to an escalating dispute over boundaries involving Kisii and Nyamira counties.
Law enforcement officers threw tear gas canisters to scatter crowds engaged in violence against each other regarding the territorial disagreement that emerged at the beginning of the decentralization process.
The commotion on Sunday was triggered by unidentified individuals demolishing market stalls in the morning. Traders are now pointing fingers at the political leadership of Nyamira and Kisii counties, accusing them of ignoring the growing dispute.
The atmosphere in the market was marked by tear gas dispersed by law enforcement to quell unrest in the unstable town. Meanwhile, armed young individuals moved around the market blowing whistles as a signal for conflict.
The disruption began with the dismantling of commercial establishments in Keroka market around 5 am on Sunday.
Traders at the market believe that the chaos on Sunday reflects the worsening border dispute between Kisii and Nyamira counties. They also criticize political leaders for their inability to resolve the issue.
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“Sasa wakituambia tutoe vitanda tuchukue upande gani kwa sababu hiyo mahali wanasema tuhamie tukitoka vitanda tupeleke upande ule hakuna nafasi ya kuweka hivo vitanda na leo hii nikiongea kesho ni shule na hapa ndio tunatoa school fees tunatafutia watoto chakula sasa ata sijui tunaenda kuanzia wapi,” Jared Riang’a, a carpenter at the market, said.
In February, the Environmental and Land Court in Nyamira issued a ruling stating that the majority of the Keroka market area is under the authority of Nyamira County.
Justice Mugo Kamau observed that according to findings from a collaborative group, markers delineating the boundary between Nyamira county and Kisii were placed starting from Masaba North sub-county hospital, extending towards Gusii farmers union, then continuing to intersect with the Kisii-Keroka-Sotik highway and the Bw’Ondabu area.
The court instructed the two counties to adhere to the specified boundaries and put into effect a revenue collection strategy aligned with the delineated demarcations.
The Kisii county government had indicated plans to appeal the decision.
Chaos At Keroka Market Over Boundary Row Between Kisii And Nyamira Counties