Upper Eastern leaders praise Uhuru for jobs

Sport and Culture Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario joins dancers during his homecoming in Moyale, Marsabit County. [PHOTO: LIBAN GOLICHA/STANDARD]

Peace talks dominated discussions during Sport and Culture Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario’s home coming party in Moyale town at the weekend.

Various speakers said frequent conflicts experienced in the area had caused the region to suffer from destruction of property, loss of lives and stunted economic growth.

Governor Ukur Yatani asked local leaders to promote peace and remain involved in the ongoing ‘delicate’ reconciliation efforts.

Senator Godana Harugura told residents to abandon tribal fighting and instead invest on education to improve the living standards of families.

“We have to enrol more children into schools so that in future, they may become a resource to our society and be in a position to assume senior Government positions,” said Harugura.

Borana community leader Guyo Goba said it is unfortunate that tribal conflicts have resulted in the loss of many lives and destruction of property.

Goba called for unity among all communities, saying this is the only way regional economic growth will be realised.

Various leaders also expressed their appreciation to President Uhuru Kenyatta for recognising “the forgotten and marginalised area”.

The leaders said that unlike previous regimes, the Jubilee administration had made special recognition of the region and they vowed to fully support the Government come 2017.

Thankful lot

“We have four parastatal heads and a Cabinet Secretary under this Government. Such appointments have never happened since independence and we are very grateful,” Isiolo South MP Abdullah Banticha said.

North Horr MP Chachu Ganya said after the President honoured the county with a ministerial appointment, the leaders called for a press conference in Nairobi to thank him.

“During the campaigns, I asked that the upper eastern region be given a ministerial position and I thank President Uhuru and his deputy for their consideration,” immediate former Moyale MP Mohamud Ali said.