WhatsApp Groups Ablaze with Diverse Opinions on the Creation of Mt. Elgon County

While the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) continues to gather opinions at the Bomas of Kenya venue in Nairobi, a heated debate has erupted on WhatsApp groups regarding the proposal to create Mt. Elgon County.

Intense discussions have emerged following the submission of proposals by the Bukusu and Sabaot communities to NADCO at the Bomas venue.

The proposal suggests that certain areas in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia Counties be split to create Mt. Elgon County.

WhatsApp groups where members engage in these passionate discussions include Bunge la Mwananchi, Yaliyojiri, community-based intellectual groups, and professional groups from Trans Nzoia. Residents are expressing mixed sentiments and opinions on the matter.

This issue has raised concerns due to the divisive nature of these mixed opinions, which is causing social and political rifts.

NADCO is led by the Majority Leader in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, and the Wiper leader, Kalonzo Musyoka.

Activists and religious leaders are urging security agencies in Trans Nzoia County to be vigilant and curb messages promoting division and incitement on social media.

Bonface Wanyoike from the Peace and Justice Centre in Kitale emphasized the importance of transparency and public involvement in discussing the creation of a new county. He expressed concerns that the proposal for a new county primarily focuses on the Bukusu and Sabaot communities while sidelining others in the region.

“It’s crucial that there is democratic consensus among the communities in this area,” Mr. Wanyoike stated.

He likened the situation to the Mabanga peace agreement reached a decade ago, which excluded certain communities.

In 2011, the Bukusu, Sabaot, and Teso communities reached a peace agreement that left out other communities, leading to discontent.

The Sabaot community informed NADCO that they want a new county to resolve historical conflicts and their prolonged marginalization.

David Kapoloman, a former Saboti ward representative and a member of the delegation that visited Bomas, argued that it is their democratic right to have Mt. Elgon County to access development funds and address the issue of isolation from other communities in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma Counties.

On the other hand, the Bukusu Council of Elders believes that this move aims to sow division. Francis Wanyisia, the Chairman of the Bukusu Council of Elders who also attended the Bomas event, stated that the creation of Mt. Elgon County would discriminate against other communities living in the region.

Two months ago, elders from various communities, including Kamba, Luhya, Bukusu, Asian, Gema, Kisii, Turkana, Iteso, Somali, and Sengwer, collectively agreed that the region did not meet the criteria for secession. Led by Christopher Makokha, these elders criticized the proposal to create a new county and emphasized that elected leaders from the Sabaot community have a responsibility to contribute to the area’s development.

However, Kiminini Member of Parliament Kakai Bisau emphasized the importance of allowing the Sabaot community to express their proposal for the creation of Mt. Elgon County.

“Let’s allow everyone to make their proposals on this matter, and ultimately, we will find a solution. Let’s not humiliate anyone,” Bisau stated.