Professionals and traders in Nyamira County have lauded Kisii and Nyamira governors for obeying court orders to maintain peace at Keroka Market.
Governors Simba Arati and Amos Nyaribo have been at loggerheads over the ownership of the market that is on the border.
Led by Prof Sebastian Ombati, the professionals said that the staff from both sides had caused a lot of problems in the busy market, the standoff also affecting school operations.
They said animosity had caused fear among school children and their teachers because of crippled transportation.
“Boda boda and Matatu operators feared to ferry our children and teachers because of fear for their lives and school activities were crippled,” he said.
Business owners in the town complained of huge losses because sales activities came down as battles raged between tax agents and town residents that have left three people seriously injured.
In a well-attended court sitting presided over by Nyamira Resident Magistrate Justice Mugo Kamau, the two governors agreed to lead the way in peace restoration.
Justice Kamau instructed Simba Arati, who was present, to meet with his Nyamira counterpart Amos Nyaribo within 21 days and map the way forward to iron out the issues in contention.
He asked the two leaders to seek advice from elders like Prof Sam Ongeri who can assist them to come to terms on the demarcation of their county boundaries because they know its original setting.
Arati promised to consult his counterpart Nyaribo who was not in court and agree to co-exist as brothers.
“I will respect the court ruling for their sake,” he said.
In the presence of his lawyer Andrew Morara, Arati agreed that his office will work with security officers from both counties to restore calm in the town pending hearing of the case on March 30.
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By Enock Okong’o
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