Election of the Sapiny cultural leader which was slated for Friday March 3rd has been postponed following the disagreement that erupted before the polls between the Sapiny elders known as “prophets” and the Sapiny electoral commission over the electoral process.
Whereas the Sapiny electoral body says they are following the guidelines from the Ministry of Gender, the ‘prophets’ claim that, the cultural leader locally Known as ”Kingoo” is supposed to be appointed by the prophets of the land.
The mixed reactions has prompted the district security committee chaired by the Resident District commissioner Kapchorwa, Enos Lottem to suspend the process until the two parties settle the disagreements.
Lottem explains that if the two parties come up with a peaceful resolution of conducting the exercise, the elections will be held on March 17th 2023 at Kapchorwa Community Hall.
“Our security office has nothing to do with the Sapiny people to having their cultural leader, as long as they do it in a peaceful way,” he said.
Samuel Ngirio, the Speaker, Sapiny Cultural Institution, says they have followed the advice issued to them by the district security. He says the ‘prophets’ have promised to give them their side /opinion by March 10th.
“What we know is that the election on 18th as advised will come to pass weather the prophets communicate to the electoral body or not,” he said.
According to Ngirio, three people have so far picked the nominations and have been approved by the institution’s electoral commission.
Meanwhile Nganie Tafala, a resident of Kaplelko village in Kapchorwa district, who spoke on behalf of the prophets says they are having a meeting and the team will get back to the Sapiny cultural institution electoral body.
“I have no clear comment for now but after the meeting I can be in a better position to give a better one, but what I know is, following the Ministry of Gender guidelines is a tricky one on the side of the prophets,” he said.
Fred Chebet, one of the candidates, expressed bitterness over the alleged confusion of the prophets: “I wonder if these are people who wait when the elections are supposed to be held, then come with confusion, I am wondering whether these are the true prophets!”
The position fell vacant following the death, in January 2021, of His Highness Stephen Kapkweyin Chemonges II at his home in Siron Cell, East Division, Kapchorwa Municipality. He succumbed to COVID-19.
