Relief as peace returns to conflict-torn Kapedo

Children play at Kapedo trading center on Turkana-Baringo Countis border on November 28, 2015. The security operation now appears to have yielded fruits as residents who had fled their homes out of fear return to resume their day-to-day activities. PHOTO | CHEBOITE KIGEN | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The security operation now appears to have yielded fruits as residents who had fled their homes out of fear return to resume their day-to-day activities.
  • The ‘caravan’ traversed Baringo, Turkana, West-Pokot, Samburu, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo-Marakwet counties - all affected by bandit raids mainly for cattle and arising from boundary rows.

One year ago, Kapedo hit the headlines after armed bandits ambushed and killed 19 Administration Police officers, prompting the government to roll out a massive disarmament exercise.

The security operation now appears to have yielded fruits as residents who had fled their homes out of fear return to resume their day-to-day activities.

As proof of this change for the better, Nation journalists who toured the area, located at the border of Baringo and Turkana counties, last week, found residents going about their activities without any fear.

The team even drove to Kapedo trading centre, about 30 kilometres from Chemolingot without police escort, something that was unheard of last year.

“The place is safe now; no more attacks and burning of vehicles. We don’t want to see a repeat of what happened last year,” said former Tiaty MP James Kalegeno, who resides at Chesakam area.

Gone is the mistrust between authorities and locals, with the latter even taking rides in police vehicles when need arises.

But the peace now being enjoyed by locals once more, has not come overnight nor without effort.

It has taken many months of toil and rigorous campaigns dubbed the ‘peace caravan’, which was rolled out by leaders, professionals and athletes from the North Rift region.

The ‘caravan’ traversed Baringo, Turkana, West-Pokot, Samburu, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo-Marakwet counties - all affected by bandit raids mainly for cattle and arising from boundary rows.

The long-drawn peace efforts culminated in last month’s ‘Walk for Peace’ - an event organised by elite athletes who traversed the seven counties, preaching reconciliation.

The outcome has been elating. Members of the Pokot and Turkana communities, who could not see eye-to-eye in the past, now meet weekly at Akiariamat market where they intermingle freely.

Lomelo location Chief Henry Ejore and his Kapedo sub-location counterpart Wiljustus Lojar said use of reformed warriors to reach out to morans roaming the bushes was also paying off.

“The two communities have committed themselves to strict adherence to resolutions reached during the peace meetings."

“Any community whose member steals from someone has to ensure the animals are returned to the owners. There is no blanket condemnation of a community,” said Mr Ejore.

A BREATH OF CALMNESS
Prof Elim Lokapel, who was the chairman of the Walk for Peace Committee, said that insecurity was to blame for perennial food shortages in some parts of the North Rift.

“Its good peace is slowly returning to the region. We’ve been losing a lot of man power and development due to insecurity in our region.

“Our leaders should continue supporting peace and reconciliation efforts. At least the peace efforts are finally paying off,” Prof Lokapel told the Nation.

Bishop Cornelius Korir of the Eldoret Catholic Diocese, yesterday said poverty was to blame for banditry in the North Rift.

He called on county governments to initiate alternative and sustainable income generating activities for pastoralists to stop their dependence on cattle.

Education is another factor, which he said would end the cattle-rustling menace.

“All schools closed as a result of banditry should be re-opened.

“Other integrated schools bringing together children from the warring communities should also be set up at the porous borders,” said Bishop Korir, who has been at the forefront in preaching peace in the volatile North Rift.

The ‘Walk for Peace’ saw the athletes take 22 days to cover more than 836 kilometres.

The government is in the process of opening up of Loruk-Barpello road which will open up the area and boost security.