Kisii County Commissioner (CC) Chaunga Mwachaunga has decried high numbers of suicide and defilement cases, among other social ills in the area, urging residents to cooperate with authorities to tame such vices.
Speaking in his office during a visit by the Nyanza Western Kenya Caucus of Internally Displaced persons, Mwachaunga also decried the increasing cases of family wrangles instigated by disputed land ownership issues.
The CC said the vices were deeply rooted, depicting negative cultural values of the community, especially now that they are very secretive, opting to solve their cases out of court.
He called for concerted effort to stamp out the vices, saying the IDPs also needed protection lest they fall victims after surviving the 2007/2008 post-election violence
Mwachaunga, however, noted there were minimal violent criminal activities in the area but assured that security structures were in place and would be heightened as the country approaches the electioneering period ahead of the 2027 polls.
He applauded the leaders of the caucus for the unity that kept them together as they sought for justice and urged them to remain so in case any compensation is availed.
He said the National Dialogue committee (NADCO) is expected to communicate officially on any intention of nationwide consultations concerning compensation for victims of violence.
Director of the Nyanza Western Kenya caucus of IDPs Eric Koyugi said the visit to the County Commissioner was to request that the IDPs be allowed to give their views during the NADCO meeting, once the nationwide visits were scheduled.
He noted that the visit was one of the many courtesy calls intended for all the new county commissioners in the region after those that knew their case were transferred from their stations.
He said the 2007/2008 IDPs were ready to cooperate with the government to ensure smooth compensation of the 84,000 members of the caucus, with the Kisii region accounting for 15,000.
James Moi Oroo, the Kisii County Chairman of IDPs, appealed to the leaders to ensure they all get justice due to them.
By Jane Naitore and violet Abala
