By Reuben Olita
Human rights activist and Ang’urai East Ward MCA aspirant Cleophas Okisai has called on the national and county governments to provide documentary evidence to conclusively settle the long-standing Busia-Bungoma boundary question affecting residents of Changara.
In a statement issued following the Madaraka Day celebrations held at Kopiya Primary School on June 1, 2026, Okisai challenged leaders who declared the boundary dispute a non-issue, arguing that wananchi deserve legal certainty rather than verbal assurances.
The activist was responding to remarks made during the celebrations by Teso North MP Hon. Oku Kaunya, Busia County Commissioner Stephen Orinde, Governor Paul Otuoma, and other leaders who maintained that Changara falls within Busia County’s jurisdiction.
According to Okisai, constitutional provisions governing territorial boundaries require transparency and adherence to the rule of law. He cited Articles 1, 6, 10, 188 and 189 of the Constitution, insisting that any questions relating to territorial jurisdiction must be addressed through official records and public participation.
“The people of Changara are entitled to more than oral assurances. They have a legitimate expectation to know with certainty where they vote, where they receive services, and under which jurisdiction their land falls,” he stated.
Okisai demanded the immediate publication of key documents, including the relevant Kenya Gazette notices, certified survey maps, Registry Index Maps (RIMs), parcel identification records, and land registration documents affecting parcels within Changara.
He further called on the Ministry of Lands to organize a public verification exercise at the Busia Land Registry to allow residents to inspect land ownership records and adjudication documents.
The Ang’urai East MCA hopeful also proposed the formation of a multi-agency technical team comprising the National Land Commission, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Survey of Kenya officials, representatives from the affected counties, and local elders to conduct a physical boundary verification and beaconing exercise.
Okisai criticized political leaders for what he termed years of rhetoric without tangible action.
“For years, leaders have relied on statements while failing to present official maps, table legal records, or conduct physical boundary verification. The result has been continued uncertainty among residents,” he said.
He urged residents to organize themselves, document their grievances, and petition relevant constitutional bodies directly in pursuit of a lasting solution.
The activist maintained that Madaraka should symbolize accountability and self-governance, arguing that freedom must include citizens’ right to know, with legal certainty, the jurisdiction to which they belong.
The statement was signed by Cleophas Okisai in his capacity as a Human Rights Activist and MCA aspirant for Ang’urai East Ward.
Photo: Cleophas Okisai during Madaraka Day Celebrations at Kopiya Primary School in Changara.
