Leaders seek old maps to resolve row
Pokot Council of Elders chairman John Mwok (left) and his Turkana counterpart, Mr Benjamin Ebenyo, sign a peace agreement in Eldoret on March 4, 2014. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | FILE
What you need to know:
- Five people were shot dead last week and more than 2,000 livestock stolen in counter-attacks between the two communities.
- West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo has supported the stand taken by the elders.
Turkana and Pokot elders have petitioned the government to use colonial-era maps to resolve boundary disputes that have triggered armed conflict between the two pastoral communities.
The sporadic attacks have resulted in villagers fleeing for safety and interrupted operations at KenGen Turkwel power plant and farming in the agriculturally rich River Kerio belt.
“The government is aware of an original map that clearly demarcates our area with Turkana, Trans Nzoia and Uganda, which they have to use to resolve the dispute,” said Mr William Lopetakou, the chairman of the committee addressing boundary issues in Baringo and West Pokot.
CROP PRODUCTION
Five people were shot dead last week and more than 2,000 livestock stolen in counter-attacks between the two communities. Many families were displaced.
But the armed conflict caused by cattle raids is now being fuelled by increased crop production around the River Kerio, shared by the two communities.
“The fights are no longer about stealing of animals, but members of the Pokot Community want ownership of land on both sides of the two rivers because of its fertility,” said Ms Joyce Emanikor, Turkana County Woman Representative.
LAND ISSUES
West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo has supported the stand taken by the elders, noting that the boundary was the main source of conflict between the two communities.
“Elders from the two communities need to hold a series of peace meetings to educate community members on the need to co-exist peacefully,” said Prof Lonyangapuo.
Turkana South MP James Lomenen said peaceful negotiations between the two communities should focus on addressing the land issues.
Mr Elijah Kodo, the Turkana South sub-county commissioner, said police patrols had been intensified to track down suspects behind the unending attacks.
