State to promote peace on volatile border

Meru County leaders during a peace-prayer rally at Mutuati Catholic Church, Meru, on November 8, 2015. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Recent clashes on the two counties’ common boundary have left 10 people dead, scores injured and property destroyed. Many animals have also been stolen.
  • Mr Kinoti Gatobu said leaders would hold a consultative forum with security experts and other stakeholders to seek ways of ending the clashes.

The government will initiate dialogue between communities on the Meru-Isiolo counties border, the President’s adviser on cohesion, peace and conflict resolution Samuel Kobia has said.

Rev Kobia, who is also the Martin Luther King’s ambassador for world peace, said it was important for communities to live peacefully for the development of the country.

"Conflict resolution and peace building starts with dialogue and this can also be made possible through prayers. The Office of the President is pleased with this plan and we shall support you in every possible way," he said.

Recent clashes on the two counties’ common boundary have left 10 people dead, scores injured and property destroyed. Many animals have also been stolen.

He also said that the government would support land demarcation and ensure that the residents got title deeds.

He was speaking at Mutuati Catholic Church on Sunday during a prayer rally organised by local churches.

Igembe North MP Joseph M’Eruaki, his Buuri counterpart Kinoti Gatobu, Njuri Ncheke Regional Chairman Linus Kathera, several MCAs and many other leaders attended the rally.

Mr M’Eruaki called on the clergy to pray and preach peace to end conflicts between the Meru and Borana communities.

“I believe in God and I am sure through prayers, different communities will coexist peacefully,” the Igembe North lawmaker said.

He also urged Igembe North residents to remain peaceful as their leaders sought a lasting solution to rustling.

Mr Kinoti Gatobu said leaders would hold a consultative forum with security experts and other stakeholders to seek ways of ending the clashes.