The Luhya Council of Elders in Trans-Nzoia County has called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to take firm action against politicians accused of making inflammatory statements that could trigger ethnic tension ahead of the election period.
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Chairman of the council who doubles up as the Bukusu council Stopher Christopher Makokha warned that reckless political rhetoric risks inciting pre- and post-election violence if left unchecked.
“We are calling upon the NCIC to take decisive action against politicians who are giving alarming statements that may cause incitement and disrupt the peace of Trans-Nzoia,” said Mr. Makokha.
He cautioned that failure to rein in such utterances could undermine the county’s long-standing harmony among communities.
Meanwhile, Chairman Luhya 17 group Wycliff Ongola dismissed reports suggesting the Luhya community is preparing for conflict with other tribes, terming the claims as political propaganda designed to sow division in the cosmopolitan county.
“We, the Luhya community living in Trans-Nzoia, have assembled and conferred together to state that we are not planning to fight nor are we at war with any other tribe living in Trans-Nzoia,” said Ongola.
Ongola emphasized that Trans-Nzoia has historically remained peaceful and inclusive, noting the community’s identity as “Bayanza barende,” loosely translated as “those who love neighbours.”
He stressed that all communities should continue living harmoniously, with every resident—regardless of race, colour, or tribe—enjoying equal rights and opportunities.
To underscore the county’s diversity, Ongola pointed to the inclusive composition of the Trans-Nzoia County Executive Committee and nominated Members of County Assembly drawn from various ethnic communities.
“Trans-Nzoia is a cosmopolitan county and remains open to all peace-loving Kenyans. Leaders must stop sponsoring goons and respect the Constitution,” he added.
He further appealed to members of the Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Kisii and other communities residing in the county to remain calm and maintain peace.
Ongola also urged the national government to consider members of the local community during the resettlement of landless families, particularly in Chepchoina Phase IV, and in public employment opportunities within the county.
