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The boundary dispute between Nyamira and Kisii counties deepened on Monday after hired goons from Kisii stormed the market and stopped Nyamira county government revenue officers from collecting cess.

The goons, armed with crude weapons later marched to Tinga dispensary where they threatened to evict health officers working at the facility saying it belonged to the neighboring Kisii county.

They warned that medics from the Kisii county side will take over the institution in two weeks.

Brandishing weapons

The goons also warned they will also revert Tinga Market to Kisii county brandishing weapons and chanting war songs.

Monyerero Ward MCA Peter Otachi whose ward borders Tinga dispensary and Tinga Market led the group at the contested boundary.

Police officers from Nyamira Police Station were forced to step in and calm the situation, which was threatening to get out of hand.

Addressing the press after the demonstrations, Otachi accused the Nyamira county government of encroaching on the market and dispensary and illegally collecting revenue belonging to Kisii county.

“We have very clear records indicating that Tinga market and Tinga dispensary fall under Kisii County,” he stated. “Immediately we take over these two institutions, I want to assure you that you will see a lot of development. Currently there are no toilets at the market and immediately we take over, we will put up good public toilets,” he ordered.

He claimed that the Kisii county government has enough health personnel to deploy to the Tinga dispensary.

Bosamaro MCA Charles Kegenda condemned the mob’s actions, accusing them of trespassing into Nyamira County using flimsy excuses.

Monday’s standoff came after Nyamira county MCAs formed an adhoc committee to look at the new boundary dispute chaired by Riogoma Ward MCA Nyambega Gisesa.

The committee is expected to table its report at the Nyamira County assembly tomorrow. Kegenda maintained that the disputed Tinga market and Tinga dispensary fall within his ward in Nyamira County and he will not allow any part to be annexed to Kisii county.

“I am asking the Monyerero ward MCA to stop inciting his subjects that there is a boundary dispute between Nyamira and Kisii counties at Tinga market.