Tiaty MP William Kamket sues state over Kapedo sub-county designation
Tiaty MP William Kamket
Tiaty MP William Kamket has sued the government over the designation of Kapedo as the headquarters of the newly created Suguta sub-county in Turkana East constituency, Baringo County.
In a petition filed at the Nakuru High Court, Mr Kamket has challenged the creation of Suguta as a separate sub-county, arguing that the move alters existing boundaries without involving the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
He claims that the decision violates constitutional provisions on boundary review.
The MP has taken issue with the designation of Kapedo, a conflict-prone area bordering Tiaty, Baringo South and Turkana, saying it is an attempt to resolve long-standing boundary disputes "through the back door".
The MP claims that the creation of Suguta Sub-county and Mukutani Sub-county redraws boundaries without public participation, a move that is likely to escalate tensions.
“The purported re-allocation will affect various development programs implemented in the new Mukutani sub-county as part of Tiaty, such as dispensaries, roads, water points, markets and bursaries benefiting over 150,000 residents,” reads part of the petition filed through lawyer Bernard Kipkoech Ngetich.
Mr Kamket also raised concerns that carving Mukutani sub-county out of Tiaty into Baringo South would stretch polling stations and disenfranchise the predominantly Pokot-speaking community.
He lamented the lack of public participation in the process.
“The residents of Tiaty and Baringo South sub-counties were not consulted. This move is likely to create distress, unnecessary tension, and conflict among the people of the two sub-counties,” Mr Kamket said.
The legislator further criticised the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government for issuing the directive through a Gazette Notice dated November 22, 2024, without considering its constitutional and social implications.
He is now seeking a declaration from the court to squash the directive, terming it unlawful and unconstitutional.
He also wants the court to stop the implementation of the changes.
