BUSIA, Kenya – Teso North and Teso South Sub Counties’ residents in Busia County have demanded an end to decades of hostility amongst the community members in order to model themselves after other Western Kenyan communities that have coexisted happily.
Eliud Adude from Chakol North, Bonface Omusugu from Angurai North, Iduka Stephen from Angurai South, Anthony Etyang, Benard Iule from Malaba South, and Morio Emeikkwa from Malaba Central were among those who have voiced concerns over the issue.
For instance, David Etyang questioned why the people of Teso North and Teso South don’t read from the same script rather than enduring ongoing arguments and a lack of a solution.
According to Etyang, the same situation has affected Kolanya Boys High School and St. Paul’s Amukura High School, two competitor institutions, both academically and in extracurricular activities.
He attributed the current situation to regional leaders who fail to take the effort to educate their communities about peaceful coexistence.
Oduya Oprong, Ojamaa Ojaamong, Emoto Ebu, Achiya Echakara, Pancras Otwani, Oprong, AAA Ekirapa, Sospeter Ojaamong, Arthur Odera, Geoffrey Omuse, and Mary Emaase are among the leaders who have led the region through transitions since independence.
What is the sole mandate of Emormor Papa Emolot
According to Etyang, the ongoing disputes between the two groups necessitate the intervention of Emormor Paul Sand Emolot, an Iteso cultural leader, who he notes should bring Iteso leaders together for a roundtable discussion on the importance of peaceful coexistence.
“Emormor was chosen by us to bring us together. We have the Teso Cultural Leader as our unifying element, so it would be foolish to let the community fall apart,” Etyang remarked.
Etyang went on, “Emormor Papa Emolot should stand firmly and unite the Iteso community to stop the never-ending squabbles.”
He added, “Leaders from Teso North and Teso South seem to be quiet and less oblivious that the two communities are not reading from the same script.”
Following the recent insecurity incident where our member was ambushed at Yala along Kisumu – Busia road, we’ve written to @IGPJaphethKoome for action. Northern Corridor is unsafe. @InteriorKE @KindikiKithure @Ma3Route @MajimajiKenya @NPSOfficial_KE @CrystalAsige @NorthernCoridor
According to Etyang, MPs Mary Emaase (Teso South) and Oku Kaunya (Teso North) ought to take the initiative in encouraging the people of the two areas to coexist together rather than in division.
Morio urged the Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President, Arthur Amuga Osiya, to offer jobs to young people from the county.
Why insecurity is a concern in the Teso South Sub-County
Additionally, he expressed gratitude to Malaba South Bonface Mamai MCA for the excellent work done in providing services in his ward.
This comes when insecurity is a concern in the Teso South Sub-County, marked by incidents of illegal activities and terrorising behaviours.
Recent crackdowns and arrests indicate efforts to address these issues. Local leaders have expressed concern over increasing insecurity, particularly livestock theft.
The situation necessitates continued vigilance and collaborative approaches involving law enforcement and community engagement to enhance security.
In November 2024, a group of 17 young people who were intimidating local residents were arrested and taken into custody by police in Teso South Sub-County.
Busia Insecurity Surge:Security authorities in Butula, Busia county, hold security meeting to find lasting solutions to rising cases of insecurity in the area.#NTVatOne
Francis Gachoki, the area police commander, told journalists at the Teso South Sub-County police station that the detained youths had been accused of raping, intimidating, and attacking locals, seriously injuring them.
“A group of young people from Ochude who identify as 42 brothers, Kapedo warriors, Vijana Wepesi, and Kemodo warriors were arrested and taken into custody,” said Gachoki.
Why were 17 youth in Teso South Sub-County arrested
According to Gachoki, the young people who were arrested had been raping women and injuring sugarcane cutters.
“We brought eight young people into custody on November 12 and were given time to do additional investigation. After that, we made the decision to engage the public and educate them about the value of cooperating and giving information to security authorities,” he added, adding that the engagement has since assisted the police in apprehending nine other suspects.
He revealed that machetes and “pangas,” together with 31 rolls of bhang, were discovered being used to intimidate the locals.
The commander called on the public to assist the security officials by providing crucial information about the remaining members of the groups, some of whom have fled to neighbouring Uganda, and pledged to dismantle all illegal youth groups in the region.
“We cannot get rid of them without knowledge, so I want to make an appeal to the public for it. They always flee to Uganda when we beef up security, but this time we’ve done so and will make sure they’re apprehended and put in jail. Additionally, the parents have determined that the legislation should be applied,” he said.
