The indigenous minority community Ogiek living on the Kenyan side of Mt Elgon region is pushing for an affirmative action by the national government and County government to fund development for the community decrying discrimination in resources allocation.
The minority community has accused successive governments of discriminating against them which has led them living in deplorable conditions despite being Kenyans.
The community has faulted the successful governments of neglecting and marginalizing them, a situation that has negatively impacted their day to day livelihood.
Addressing the media at Chepkitale area, Community leaders lamented that the community is suffering due to lack of support from the national and local governments of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia
The community has highlighted poor road network leading to their inhabitants in Chepkitale and Labot in Kaptama ward as a major problem facing them as they revealed that the residents are forced to make use of donkeys to access critical services such as health and government services.
They observed that they face a challenge to get government services in Kapsokwony town more than 30 kilometers away from their indigenous home.
Leaders led by former nominated MCA Mr. James Chesebok, said inaccessibility to proper education and health service is hindering the development in the community.
Janet Chemtai, the community’s women leader said local women undergo hardship including intense labour pains while being transported by donkeys and motorbikes to deliver at Kapsokwony sub county hospital which is far away.
“It’s very sad that in most cases the life of the woman and her unborn baby are always in danger as the area is also extremely cold due to its mountainous nature.,” she noted.
The road linking the community and Kapsokwony town passes through the Mt Elgon forest where wild animals roam and is dangerous for the community.
The community said livestock herding and beekeeping which is their main source of livelihood has been undermined by poor roads.
Cosmas Murunga, the chair of Chepkitale Ogiek governing council, faulted the national government for continued discrimination against them.
Murunga said despite the community’s successful efforts to conserve Mt Elgon forest, the government had continued to frustrate them.
“Government has really neglected us and nobody is appreciating our efforts to conserve nature here.We want a proper development plan for our community living here,” he said.
The community retaliated against their position not to grow crops in the forest as proposed by local MP Fred Kapondi.
Kapondi recently asked the community to embrace cultivation of potatoes in the forest in order to transform their lives.
The lawmaker pledged to allocate money to help the community change their lifestyle.
But the community opposed the move and dismissed the calls saying cultivation of crops inside the forest will provoke their ancestors.
Murunga asked the national government and county governments to ensure equity distribution of resources to propel them from poverty.