Trans-Nzoia Senator Michael Mbito addressing the media. He has slammed Sen. Moses Wetang'ula for opposing Mt Elgon petition. [Daniel Psirmoi/Standard]
Two legislators have criticized Senator Moses Wetang'ula for being opposed to a quest by members of Sabaot community in Bungoma to be governed from Trans-Nzoia County.
Wetang'ula a week ago, vowed to thwart a petition at the Senate by the marginalized group who reside Mt Elgon in which they seek to be moved from his county.
The Ford Kenya Party leader said he will not allow the administrative boundaries of the two counties to be interfered with, terming the petition as 'dead on arrival.'
But Speaking over the weekend, Trans- Nzoia Senator Michael Mbito and Endebess MP Robert Pukose said the community have right to be administrated from wherever they want.
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Dr Mbito said it was unfortunate that his colleague has failed to defend the rights of the minority and yet he is opposed to their clamour to 'secede' from the county.
"The community members are desperate after being locked out from the Bungoma County government. Its ironical that Wetang'ula who should be fighting for them has been mum is now vocal in dismissing their petition to exit the county," explained Mbito.
Dr Pukose on his part defended the action taken by community to petition the Senate, noting that granting the community their pleas will lead to an end to the historical injustices they have suffered over the years.
In the petition, the group argues that the push by members of the minority community to be administrated from Trans-Nzoia County in the Rift Valley started immediately after independence.
They added in the petition signed by Daniel Chepkrin and Masuti Chemasuet that despite being few; they reside in the two counties, hence this has seen them become marginalized even more further.
" Everyone has a constitutional right to stay where they want or come up with a petition. Together with Dr Mbito, we will mobilize our colleagues to see to it that the petition goes through,” said Dr Pukose.
The leaders were speaking on Saturday at a burial ceremony in Kissawai, Saboti Constituency.
