Samburu leaders call for lasting peace among pastoralist communities

Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal and Samburu West MP Jonathan Lelelit have urged leaders from neighbouring Turkana and Baringo counties to lead peace initiatives.

They said this was the best gift for their people whose lives have been ravaged by conflicts for the last 26 years.

Speaking during a Samburu-Pokot peace and unity meeting at Poror AP camp, the leaders vowed to spend public funds within their disposal to improve the lives of the people.

Schools, dispensaries, livestock auctions and meat-processing firms will be set up as a way of enhancing development within the three counties.

During the ceremony, the governor said peace was the best legacy he would wish to give his people.

FUND JOINT PROJECTS

On his part, Mr Lelelit promised to engage MPs from other communities in seeking ways to jointly fund projects that would benefit their communities. These include dams, bridges and schools as well as polytechnics, he said.

The colourful event saw livestock stolen from neighbouring communities returned and a commitment ‘ritual’ conducted to bring permanent peace in the largely fertile area that remains neglected as it is too dangerous to cultivate.

Governor Lenolkulal advised residents to treat cattle thieves as criminals who should be arrested and prosecuted.

He urged them to shun wholesale condemnation of communities which has in the past led to bloody skirmishes that disrupt lives, causing animosity among the communities.

EMBRACE PEACE

“While we fight here other counties in this country are launching multi-billion dairy enterprises and others are earning billions through maize, tea, coffee, cotton, sunflower, flowers, potatoes and cabbage farming.

“We have what it takes to do the same if only every one of us played their part in a peaceful atmosphere.

“Cattle rustling must come to an end if our children are to attend school up to university level. That is what will make us better people, ready to establish enterprises that provide employment for our people,” said Mr Lenolkulal.

As a first step, Mr Lelelit said he would use money from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to set up Poror’s first secondary school.

The school will benefit children from the Samburu and Pokot communities.

Governor Lenolkulal warned that a legal action would be taken against parents who fail to take their children to school.

He promised free seeds and fertilizers to farmers urging them to invest in arable farming in order boost food security in the county.