Madaraka Day celebrations in West Pokot County were held at Makutano stadium with few people who turned up to mark the day.
Most of the seats were empty with only Governor John Lonyangapuo and a number of Members of the County Assembly and security officials attended.
Most of the elected leaders skipped the event.
A five year old grade one pupil of St Mary’s Assumption school, Newton Mnangat performed an electrifying, touching song on peaceful elections during the Wednesday Madaraka day celebration.
The song took the attention of West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo who left the podium and joined the boy in the dance.
Clad in traditional attire some of the traditional dancers performed peaceful songs ahead of 2022 elections.
Tartar girls’ high school performed a live band session as onlookers admired their performance being the only girl school in the County that has mastered the art of live performance.
The undoubted acrobatic group took to the stage performing a modern dance that attracted everyone in the stadium.
The West Pokot County Governor John Lonyangapuo has urged the national government to disarm bandits who are causing havoc along the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties.
Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations at Makutano stadium, Lonyangapuo said some of the politicians have politicized the security challenge along the border fueling tension and retaliatory attacks.
He asked the government to disarm everyone along the border adding that only police officers should be allowed to own guns.
Lonyangapuo noted that Chesogon and Tot has become inhabitable despite being fertile for farming and agriculture activities.
He urged the security organs to monitor movements and phone calls of certain politicians who are inciting locals.
“Those politicians inciting locals should not be elected let them be recorded and be held accountable while doing their campaigns.” He said.
He noted that there are politicians who usually visit West Pokot County just to abuse leaders and incite locals.
“Let us minimize political noise and groupings, I have asked and written a letter to some of the politicians to stop visiting the County and incite locals.” He said.
He slammed UDA brigade naming Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang for frequently visiting the County abusing and demeaning other leaders.
He said they allow leaders to traverse the County to look for voters if at all they will be going for meaningful and development oriented politics.
West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okello issued a stern warning to bandits telling them that they will be shot alive without being arrested.
He said some leaders are taking advantage of the insecurity situation citing that they should desist from using the situation for political mileage.
“There is no life that is precious than the other, will wipe bandits out without mercy. This time we won’t spare them because they are dangerous and armed.” He said.
He said the police officers will not wait to arrest the bandits who are well armed rather they will just kill them on site while alive.