• Achani and Kombo insisted Mackinnon is in her jurisdiction and residents should only pay taxes to Kwale government.
• Achani said it would be impossible for residents to get services and development from Kwale if they pay taxes to other counties.
Image: SHABAN OMAR
The Kwale-Taita Taveta boundary dispute has escalated after Governor Fatuma Achani and her deputy Chirema Kombo told Mackinnon town residents not to pay taxes.
Taita Taveta and Kwale counties have since 2013 been at loggerheads over the ownership of Mackinnon town.
Taita Taveta claims the town was irregularly acquired by Kwale, forcing the two counties to enter into prolonged court battles.
On February 12, the Environment and Land Court in Mombasa issued a conservatory order allowing Taita Taveta to collect taxes and issue permits pending June 26 ruling.
The order said all revenue be deposited in an interest-earning bank account opened jointly with Kwale government.
The order prohibited Kwale government from collecting revenue from Mackinnon.
However, Achani and Kombo insisted Mackinnon is in her jurisdiction and residents should only pay taxes to Kwale government.
Achani said it would be impossible for residents to get services and development from Kwale if they pay taxes to other counties.
"How will you get a bursary and other development in Kwale if you pay taxes to another county?" she asked.
Her announcement seems to defy the court order that prohibited Kwale from collecting taxes in the disputed town until the matter is resolved.
Kwale county held Madaraka Day celebrations in Mackinnon town.
Achani said no part of Kwale would be lost under her administration.
The governor said Kwale leaders are wise and non-violent and will follow the rule of law to ensure the county's territories are protected.
She said she does not dwell on empty promises and her administration will fight for what is right.
Achani said her administration will put an end to the boundary dispute between Taita Taveta and Kwale.
She said Kwale government has been carrying out development projects in Mackinnon, since the inception of devolution.
Achani said it is ironic that Taita Taveta claims ownership of Mackinnon town but has no development record in the area.
She said residents have for years received services, development and even voted in Kwale.
Achani said her administration will continue to provide services to Mackinnon residents as she fights for the town.
She urged residents to remain calm and let leaders handle the boundary dispute through the legal justice system.
"We ask you to continue living in peace and let us follow the law," the governor said.
Kombo said Mackinnon town has been and will always be in Kwale.
Kwale speaker Seth Mwatela said the assembly leaders will rally behind Achani to protect Mackinnon town and other disputed areas.
He said the county assembly stands with Mackinnon residents and will do everything in its power to defend them.
Ramisi MCA and Kwale county assembly majority leader Hanifa Mwajirani said it is an injustice for Mackinnon residents to be forced to pay taxes in two counties.
She said they are vigilant and will defend Kwale territory.