Keroka town is a key economic hub that hosts both the great people from Nyamira and Kisii counties. It is also a pivotal political hub for national politicians whenever campaigning in the Gusii region. If a political rally has not been held in densely populated Keroka, then you have not reached out to Omogusii.
Control over the town provides access to key infrastructure, such as roads, markets and educational institutions. As a result, the town has become a focal point of competition between the Omogusii communities from both counties.
Other than Kisii and Nyamira towns, Keroka stands out for its uniqueness. First, the town hosts both Kisii and Nyamira counties; it hosts Nyaribari Masaba and Kitutu Masaba constituencies; and is the home of Ichuni and Gesima wards.
The town was quiet until 2013 when the counties came into being. The Fourth Schedule of the constitution assigned roles to the counties and the national government. Revenue collection was devolved, especially land rates, market levies, operation licences like single business permits, development approval of new buildings and other own source revenue streams.
The issue of who controls the larger part of the oldest Gusii town has seen a long-standing border dispute between Nyamira and Kisii. This conflict is not only a source of tension among the locals but also reflects poorly on the leadership of both counties. The conflict started in 2014 when the two counties disagreed over the boundaries of collection of levies.
Over the years, attempts have been made to resolve the dispute, including negotiations, mediation and legal proceedings. However, these efforts have largely been unsuccessful due to the deep-rooted nature of the conflict and the lack of a clear solution that would satisfy both parties.
In a judgment delivered on February 14, 2024, the Environment and Land Court declared that the larger portion of the town falls within Nyamira county’s jurisdiction. Justice Mugo Kamau emphasised the need for clarity and adherence to demarcated boundaries. He cited reports from a multi-agency team, including surveyors, IEBC representatives and the NLC, which identified boundary beacons and established the true boundaries between the two counties.
After the judgment, the governor of Kisii dispatched county askaris ostensibly to “protect” the county's territory and ensure revenue was collected. The hundreds of askaris caused a furore in the town forcing Nyamira to reiterate. Traders were left on their own in the ensuing melee. Traders have suffered losses as many feared for the security of their wares and avoided the market and shops for the better part of last week.
This standoff needs to be condemned and frowned upon. It’s a national shame that people descended from the same father and mother are embroiled in a tussle over a town that has existed since the colonial period where people have always lived in harmony and tranquillity.
For record purposes, Keroka on the Kisii and Nyamira sides is inhabited by the same community. The two neighbouring constituencies are named Masaba. In Kisii there is the Omogetutu clan same as in Nyamira. This is a conflict that our ancestors and pioneer Gusii leaders would not allow to happen.
The two constituencies have been led amicably devoid of conflict ever since the times of Andrew John Omanga, James Nyamweya, George Moseti Anyona, Dr Hezron Manduku, Prof Sam Ongeri and Timothy Bosire. In pre-devolution times, politicians held political meetings on both sides of the town without any hindrance. What is happening in Keroka now is political immaturity that must be condemned.
The Luo of Migori have never had issues with their Homa Bay neighbours and the Bukusu of Bungoma have never had issues with their counterparts of Trans Nzoia. The Samia of Busia have never had issues with their brothers from Bugwe in Uganda. Why is Omogusii, people who speak the same ethnic language, warring in Keroka?
I call out the two governors, Simba Arati of Kisii and Amos Nyaribo of Nyamira, MPs from the region, the senators and members of the two county assemblies to respect the court's verdict and seek an amicable way of quelling the looming conflict in Keroka. In 2024 people sit and agree. People dialogue. The scenes on national and local media on Keroka are a national shame for Omogusii.
President emeritus, Football Kenya Federation, and Gusii elder
