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L-R Lawyer Mugambi Imanyara, Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, and among other leaders during a political meeting in Maua stadium | PHOTO Courtesy
By Gerald Kibaki
Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood, Julius Taitumu (Igembe North) Igembe South MP John Paul Mwairigi, and his Tigania East counterpart have declared support for the splitting of the county into Imenti and Nyambene counties. Kathuri said if the county is split, more resources will be channeled into the county.
Dawood said he started pushing for the split way back in 2018 saying that the county qualifies for the creation of an extra county to bring more resources. Dawood said the splitting should not be politicized.
“As per the law, no county should exceed five constituencies. Meru County should be split into two in order to enable us to get more resources and not because people from the Nyambene region are being mistreated as alleged by some leaders and residents. We should stop politicizing the issue,” Dawood said.
He called on the legislators pushing for the split to first present a bill in parliament where it will be debated before being subjected to a referendum.
The constitution states that the boundaries of a county may be altered only by a resolution
Recommended by an independent commission set up for that purpose by Parliament; and passed by the National Assembly, with the support of at least two-thirds of all of the members of the Assembly; and the Senate, with the support of at least two-thirds of all of the county delegations.
The constitution also states that the boundaries of a county may be altered to take into account population density and demographic trends, physical and human infrastructure, historical and cultural ties, and the cost of administration.
Other factors to be considered include the views of the communities affected the objects of devolution of government and geographical features.
Mpuru said Nyambene County will comprise five constituencies, Tigania West, Tigania East, Igembe Central, Igembe South, and Igembe North. They said the split will enable the two counties to stream in more resources to the county thus enabling them to grow economically.
According to the 2019 census conducted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Meru County had a population of over 1.5 million people. Out of the 1.5 population of the whole county, the proposed Nyambene County has a population of over 8, 00000 people.
Rindikiri, who is Meru parliamentary caucus chairman, said the due process of splitting the county has already kicked off. They said the main reason why they support the move is that Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has been seen favoring some parts in terms of developments. He said the move will make sure that splitting will equalize the regions
“The agenda of two counties is unstoppable, for two counties are not enmity but it’s all about resources,” said Julius Taitumu, Igembe North MP.
They urged all leaders from the Nyambene and Imenti to remain united as they wait to be given more resources when the time comes.
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