Reps resolve to foster peace in volatile parts of North Rift

More than 100 MCAs from five conflict zones in the North Rift met at Spa Resort in Baringo County on Thursday in a bid to finding a lasting solution for perennial cattle rustling.

During the two-day consultative meeting organised by the Kerio Valley Development Authority, the leaders have resolved to hold a joint peace caravan.

In a rare show of unity, the leaders from the warring Turkana, Pokot, Samburu, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Baringo communities put aside their differences and called for an end to needless bloody conflicts.

Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Osman Warfa said more than 245 firearms have been registered in the North Rift.

Barwessa Ward MCA Joseph Makilap (Baringo) said leaders unanimously agreed on the deployment of police reservists to mop up illegal firearms.

“There should be compulsory disarmament. We appeal to warring communities to embrace peace and development,” said Mr Makilap.
Scramble for resources

At the same time, hundreds of pastoralists in drought-hit parts of the North Rift region are appealing for help.

Herders from Kaputir, Kainuk, Nakwamoru, Lorogon and Kalimorock in Turkana as well as those from Amolen and Ombolion in West Pokot are migrating towards River Turkwel, fuelling tension at the common border.

“People may starve if the dry spell persist,” said Julius Taigong, Turkana Drought Coordinator.

Kaputir Chief Charles Lopuya warned of renewed attacks as a result of the scramble for scarce resources. About 300,000 people in Turkana are staring at starvation.

Seven MPs and Turkana Senator John Munyes have raised the alarm, they are petitioning the government to speed up distribution of food.