MP dismisses claims of fuelling Baringo conflict

Tiaty Member of Parliament Asman Kamama has distanced himself from the recurrent conflicts in Baringo County.

Kamama, who is also the chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Security, rubbished claims linking him with the constant infighting between members of Pokot and Turkana communities living in Tiaty.

The constituency, formerly Baringo East, has been the source of conflicts within the larger Baringo County and communities bordering the constituency.

The constant inter-community clashes in the county have led to the closure of more than 20 schools with over 30,000 children missing classes.

Reports indicate that thousands of families have fled their home to escape the clashes.

Kamama’s sentiments come a day after the Samburu and Turkana communities agreed to call a truce after a three day mediation process spearheaded by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).

He has been asked to step down as the chairman but he stated that it was not the role of the people but the committee members to vote him out.

Speaking during the reconciliation process, Parliament Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity chairman Johnson Sakaja said that cattle rustling will soon be categorised as robbery with violence and anyone found guilty of the same will be sentenced to life imprisonment.

Sakaja was leading a team of Members of the National Assembly and Senators who toured Loruk in Baringo North, Nginyang in Tiaty Sub County and Sandai in Baringo South.

The committee is also expected to conclude their tour with a visit of Turkana County and come up with proposals of how to end the conflicts.