Row erupts over border of Lokichoggio sub-county

A section of Lokichogio town in Turkana County. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

A row has erupted over the newly-created Lokichogio sub-county boundary in Turkana County.

This is after some leaders and locals protested the transfer of Kalobeyei Ward from Turkana West to the newly created administrative area.

One group led by former Kakuma MCA James Ekaran wants it moved to Lokichogio, a move opposed by a rival group led by Kalobeyei MCA Julius Edung that wants the Ward to remain in Turkana West.

Ekaran said the administrative boundaries would not affect the cultural and economic aspects of Kakuma locals, saying residents will continue enjoying services regardless of the sub-county they belong to.

"We are asking the government to investigate politicians who are inciting locals against the boundaries. We welcome the new sub-counties, and some individuals should use it to gain political relevance," the former MCA said.

Edung said public participation was conducted before drawing the administrative boundaries.

According to the ward rep, Kalobeyei was not part of the administrative boundaries spelt out by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki during the launch of the new Lokichogio sub-county last month.

Lokichogio sub-county was among four new administrative units, including Aroo, Lokiriama and Suguta, established recently by CS Kindiki on July 6 to bring government services closer to locals and boost security.

Susan Nachim, a resident of Kalobeyei, said they welcomed the new sub-county as it would reduce the distance travelled to access government services.

"We are not ready to travel to Kakuma or Lodwar for government services. We are satisfied with Lokichogio, which is the nearest divisional headquarters," she said.

Philip Ekeno, another resident, asked leaders to stop inciting people.

"Public participation was done properly, and we accept Kalobeyei, under Oropoi division, to be moved to Lokichogio. We are near Kakuma or Lokichoggio, where we get services either way."