The country marked her 53rd Madaraka Day Celebrations and as usual all counties marked the day in different ways led by Governors and County Commissioners. However, the day witnessed interruption, war of words and boycotts. These are the Madaraka Day’s events from the counties.
KERICHO
Three parallel Madaraka Day celebrations were today held in different parts of Soin/Sigowet Sub-County, Kericho County over headquarter dispute.
For the first time, the celebrations were held at Chepkemel Trading Centre which were led by Area Deputy County Commissioner.
According to the Committee members which had been constituted to settle the dispute, Chepkemel was not among the areas which had been considered which included, Kapsorok, Sigowet and Kipsitet.
GARISSA
In Garissa, the Government will investigate and prosecute those behind stone throwing at Garissa Governor’s entourage in Balambala sub-county last week, Area County Commissioner James Kianda has said.
Kianda was reacting to demands that the National Government investigate the incident when he toured the area to commission development projects in the area.
Kianda was addressing wananchi at Garissa Primary School playgrounds today during Madaraka day. One person was seriously injured in the head while several youth were also arrested. The Governor however proceeded to commission the Balambala water supply and opened the community hall.
NAROK
In Narok County,the Commisioner Moffat Kangi has directed that all Mining activities be stopped at Loita,bordering Kenya and Tanzania. Kangi categorically stated that all minerals belonged to the state and on one is authorized to conduct transactions without a permit. Speaking at Maasai Mara University grounds during Madaraka day celebrations,Kangi said those who wished to trade in minerals should obtain a permit and have legal documents before transacting internationaly.
Narok deputy governor Evelyne Aruasa maintained that there was room for dialogue adding that CORD should stop taking matters to the streets.
KISII
Madaraka Day celebrations in Kisii County were rudely interrupted after a bus rolled at a bridge in Kisii town and injured 36 passengers five of them critically.
Hundreds of the residents left in a huff from the stadium to assist in rescue operations on learning about the road accident from the blurring sirens of the recently acquired county government ambulances.
According to Dr. Enock Ondari, Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital CEO where the victims were admitted, three out of the five had severed limbs while two sustained serious head injuries.
An eye witness Wilfred Monyenye said the ill- fated bus bound for Homa Bay left Nairobi at 11 pm experiencing alleged mechanical defects on the way until it overturned at Darajamoja ”killer bridge” along the Kisii- Keroka high way.
KILIFI
At the coast ,War of words emerged during today’s madaraka day celebrations at karisa maitha stadium in Kilifi town between the county commissioner and area elected leaders led by governor Jeffer Amazon Kingi after the county commissioner challenged the leaders to also organize demonstrations against the social ills happening in the county like defilement and rape cases.
Madzayo said during Madaraka day celebration that IEBC commissioners must vacate office immediately and that as area cordleaders they were preparing to hold big demonstrations towards IEBC offices in Kilifi town as he called the county commissioner to provide them with security.