KNCCI Trans Nzoia Feuding Parties Reach Truce, Paving Way for Elections

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The conflict escalated when the two sides clashed over the voter register, culminating in a brawl at the Kitale Museum during the annual general meeting.

A section of KNCCI members at the Trans Nzoia branch.

After a six-month feud, two rival factions within the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Trans Nzoia branch have reached a truce, allowing for the resumption of elections. The dispute stemmed from a clause in the organization’s electoral laws, with Benson Malesi’s camp challenging the eligibility of Titus Kilongi’s team, leading to a court injunction and the postponement of the May election.

The conflict escalated when the two sides clashed over the voter register, culminating in a brawl at the Kitale Museum during the annual general meeting. Boda boda operators were drawn into the chaos, prompting the intervention of riot police to restore order.

Through the mediation of various parties, Malesi withdrew his injunction, and the electoral body brokered a gentleman’s agreement, resulting in a merger of the two factions and a power-sharing arrangement.

“We commend both parties for restoring Trans Nzoia’s position within the KNCCI network,” stated Benjamin Okwoba, a representative of the electoral body. “This agreement paves the way for Kilongi to assume the chairmanship, while Malesi will serve as director in charge of finance, effectively ending the six-month standoff.”

Kilongi, a prominent businessman with interests in education, expressed his commitment to transforming the KNCCI’s operations. “We are behind schedule and must prioritize improving working conditions for the business community,” he asserted. “Forty-six other counties are ahead of us, and my team will not waste time on unproductive disputes. Our focus will be on addressing the concerns of local business owners.”

Malesi echoed Kilongi’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration to foster business growth. “Let us work together to strengthen the KNCCI’s mandate of promoting business development,” he urged. “This will create opportunities for local ‘mama mboga’ businesses to expand regionally.”

The truce brings to an end the interim leadership of former chair Martin Waliaula. Small-scale traders have expressed their hopes for the new leadership, urging them to negotiate with the county government to provide them with access to newly constructed multimillion-dollar markets and improve market infrastructure across the county.

“We request that they collaborate with the governor to relocate us from roadside trading to the new market and other numerous markets that require rehabilitation,” they stated. “Essential amenities like water and electricity should also be installed in these markets.”

Furthermore, the traders seek to establish links with international markets, leveraging Trans Nzoia’s status as a border county to expand their sales and import opportunities.

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