End cattle theft and banditry, North Rift leaders urge

Loropil Ilchamus dancers entertain residents at Loruk in Baringo County during a peace run on April 29,2018. The event was organised by the county's First Lady Ivy Kiptis and brought together counterparts from seven other counties. North Rift leaders called for an end to cattle theft and banditry, saying vices are to blame for slow growth of region. PHOTO | CHEBOITE KIGEN | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The peace run, Baringo First Lady's Run, was organised by governor's wife Ms Ivy Kiptis.
  • Seven county first ladies graced the event where leaders called for an end to retrogressive cultural practices.
  • In a rare show of unity, the warring Tugen, Ilchamus, Pokot and Baringo communities took part in the race.

Three governors from the North Rift and eight first ladies have called for peaceful co-existence among warring communities in the region.

Speaking on Saturday during a peace run in Loruk, Baringo North sub-County, the leaders led by Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago — who is also the North Rift Economic Bloc (Noreb) chairman — said the region has lagged behind in development for years.

The leaders attributed the region’s slow development to cattle rustling and banditry fuelled by communal hostilities.

The peace run, dubbed Baringo First Lady’s Run, was organised by Ms Ivy Kiptis, wife of county governor Stanley Kiptis, to unite warring communities in banditry prone areas.

In a rare show of unity, the warring Tugen, Ilchamus, Pokot and Baringo communities took part in the race.

“This region has lagged behind for many years. When other areas are engaging in development, we are here killing ourselves because of retrogressive cattle theft,” said Mr Mandago.

He called on local leaders and elders to foster peace.

“Leaders should also desist from igniting inter-community feuds. We should be part of the solution in bringing our people together. Some political leaders in this region are their own worst enemies,” he added.

Governor Kiptis urged local communities to shun negative vices, and instead engage in meaningful development.

“Let us give peace a chance so that we can reap the fruits of devolution. Our region sits on enormous resources but these will not be of much help if our people continue engaging in bloody conflicts which scare away potential investors,” warned Governor Kiptis.

West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo said pastoralists need to be empowered economically to enable them discard retrogressive cultural practices.

Prof Lonyangapuo said cattle theft was economic development’s biggest enemy.

“It is time that leaders from warring communities agreed on a lasting solution to avoid loss of lives and destruction of property,” said Mr Lonyangapuo.

First ladies Nazi Kivutha (Makueni), Ms Sheila Sang (Nandi), Ms Priscillah Oparanya (Kakamega), Ms Mary Lonyangapuo (West Pokot), Ms Maria Mbeneka (Laikipia), Ms Wato Kuti (Isiolo) and Ms Lucy Mandago (Uasin Gishu) called for concerted efforts by elected leaders, the national government and relevant security agencies to end banditry.