By Reuben Olita -Busia
Changara Division in Teso North, Busia County, was not hived from Bungoma as claimed by Sirisia MP John Waluke, Teso leaders have said, giving the National Cohesion and Integration Commission two weeks to investigate what they termed as threats against the Iteso community.
Addressing the media Monday at Tinga area in Aterait Sub-location, Changara Division, the leaders dismissed claims that the area belongs to Bungoma County.
In a statement read by Angurai East MCA David Parapara Karani, the leaders cited the 1962 Regional Boundaries and Constituencies Delimitation Commission chaired by Sir Stafford Sutton, alongside Sir John Fletcher and W.C.S. Corry. Through Kenya Gazette Notice (Constituency Paper No. 1921 of December 28, 1962), they said, the Iteso were granted Constituency No. 86 — Teso, later renamed Elgon West and subsequently Teso North.
They noted that the 1962 delimitation included Changara, with boundaries stretching to Mt. Elgon Constituency No. 85.
“Through these recommendations, the Iteso were partially relieved from domination by the larger Luhya community. We caution the MP that Tesos are now demanding their boundaries as per the report,” Parapara said.
He further referenced the Districts and Provinces Act of 1992 (No. 5), which formally described Amagoro Constituency, adding that the Iteso community has defended Changara through various commissions, including the Chesoni, Nyamweya and Ligale commissions, as well as the Joseph Mwangovya Teso Boundaries Commission.
According to the leaders, those commissions upheld the credibility of the 1962 Stafford Sutton-led delimitation but their recommendations remain unimplemented.
“It is unfortunate for an elected leader who should be preaching peace among neighbours who have co-existed and intermarried to start drumming trumpets of war,” Parapara added.
The leaders also defended Presidential Advisor Arthur Amug Osiya, warning Waluke against dragging his name into the dispute with corruption claims.
“Stop harassing our people in Parliament with allegations they cannot defend themselves against. Be a good neighbour and respect others. Sixty-five per cent of Tesos are original owners of Changara,” they said.
They maintained that the Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) for Changara is lawfully in office and vowed that no intimidation would deter him from serving residents. Changara Division comprises Changara, Kolanya, Chamasiri and Kakemeri locations.
Malaba North MCA Patrick Omanyala urged the Sirisia MP to respect administrative boundaries, noting that it’s on record that some parts of Teso were hived to Bungoma. He urged MP Kaunya and Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma, and other leaders to bring development to most parts of Changara Division which remains undeveloped.
Former Angurai South MCA and ex-Deputy Speaker Moses Ote said the correct 1962 boundaries for Teso in Busia County stretched from Kimaeti through River Malakisi to Namang’afulo, though some portions were later moved to Bungoma.
” Waluke should be reminded that Tesos have been receding their land recklessly. The Sirisia MP has thoughts of plunging the two communities into war, likening the Iteso community to a lion that has been rained on. He warned the government to intervene lest the community will guard itself against any aggression,” he said.
Former councillor Mary Ochoko insisted the Iteso have a right to defend their boundaries and challenged Waluke to focus on accountability issues instead.
Senior Chief for over 40 years and councillor Samson Olubayi termed Waluke’s reckless remarks as provocation of the highest order. ” Instest of visiting the area with incumbent Kaunya to preach peace, Waluke is busy inciting communities to go to war.”
Former Amagoro MCA Ishmael Orodi told Waluke to stop dividing the Iteso and bukusu communities, wondering why the boundary issue is resurfacing after 9 years with him at the helm of his constituency. He also warned him against using residents living in the division as cash cows.
Former Angurai East MCA Moses Mamai said the standoff over Changara Division started long ago, with Waluke in the forefront to subdue the Iteso community. He noted that Angurai East Ward is among 150 wards in the country created by IEBC and it’s gazetted, telling the community to stop being bribed Ksh3000 to register as a voter in Sirisia Constituency.
A resident youth Ngori Jeremiah said all Tesos and Bukusus have co-existed for ages, warning some of community members not to be used as “cash cow” by Waluke.
Three MCAs attended the charged rally at Tinga amid fears of a possible relocation of the division. They were David Parapara (Angurai East), Patrick Omanyala (Malaba North) and Gardy Jakaa (Bukhayo North/Walatsi).
However, the absence of Isaac Wamalwa (Angurai North), Bonface Mamai (Malaba South), Joseph Eseme (Angurai South) and Malaba Central MCA and Deputy Speaker Ronald Ochalu raised eyebrows, with locals questioning the need for a united front.
Other leaders present included former MCAs Ishmael Orodi (Malaba Central) and Moses Mamai (Angurai East), former councillors Ronald Osialai, Mary Ochoko, John Fisher, Samson Olubayi, John Okiring, Wycliffe Mamai, Ekakoro Revenia, as well as UDA Busia County chairman Maurice Chetambe, UDA Teso North Sub-County chairperson Mary Okedi, the 2022 Busia County Women Representative, Grace Imo and several senior chiefs.
Teso North Sub County currently has six (6) administrative divisions — Changara, Angurai, Amagoro, Kamolo, Malaba North, and Angurai South — following the creation of two additional divisions of Malaba North and Angurai South in 2025.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya was the first to raise alarm over what he described as “reckless and misleading claims.” Kaunya said he will seek an official retraction in Parliament today, Tuesday, to ensure the House record reflects accurate information and to prevent confusion among residents.
