Governor Samuel Tunai has condemned the recent demonstrations in Narok County and dismissed issues raised in a petition by Senator Stephen Ole Ntutu as politically-instigated hearsay.
In a press statement, Tunai said the protests took place despite a ban on rallies in the county issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Security and Interior Coordination, Joseph Nkaissery.
“The county and businesspeople have altogether lost productive cumulative hours of labour and revenue, which would have contributed to progress,” said Tunai.
“There is nothing creative or strategic about precipitating conflicts and anxiety in one of the richest and diligently rising counties in Kenya.”
Tunai accused some political leaders in the county of having been at the forefront in organising the demonstrations, and said they should instead preach peace and cohesion in the county.
“As leaders with oath of office, and a commanding responsibility to defend the Constitution and the rule of law, preserving the peace and finding accord in the strength of the said laws and institutional approach to conflict resolution must necessarily remain our cherished duty,” he said.
He said that since he took office, he had been encouraging public participation by inviting locals and elected leaders, mainly parliamentary members and members of the county assembly, to discuss development projects and sharing of resources.
“The county has been organising public participation meetings by involving all elected leaders and residents where development projects are discussed. This is my leadership drive to ensure equal development and sharing of resources to avoid conflicts,” the governor said.
Tunai invited dialogue with residents and leaders in pursuit of peace in Narok: “When we work together, we become enablers of the great future that we all aspire to live in. When we avoid violent confrontation, we give room for the growth of a desirable culture of tolerance, dialogue and understanding,” he added.
He stated that his administration would share all relevant information on county revenue collection and management, including development projects and how the county is transforming.
In addition, he said complaints raised by residents were being investigated by relevant institutions that would ably deal with them.
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