MP Warns Over Land in Pokot

The Nation (Nairobi), Sunday 25 March 2001

Kapenguria MP Samwel Moroto yesterday said the Pokot community would use force to reclaim their land in Turkana and Trans Nzoia districts.

Pokot land, he claimed, stretched 41 kilometres inside Turkana in the Kalim'ngorok area and asked their neighbours to prepare for "war" if they cannot surrender their land.

The MP, who was elected following fiery cabinet minister Francis Lotodo's death, said that since he had been sworn in as MP "if they (the non-Pokot) are not ready to surrender the land peacefully my kinsmen should not worry because I'm going to protect their interests."

The MP was sworn in on Wednesday together with his South Mugirango counterpart after winning in the January 12 by-elections.

Students from Chewoyet joined the residents in giving Moroto a warmly welcome as thousand of Kapenguria residents stormed towards the stadium to hear his speech. Lead by Kapenguria Mayor Christopher Manyala and Pokot County Council Chairman Mr David Moiben.