Olpusimoru residents return home as peace is restored
Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter addresses Kipsigis youth at Oleng'ape Village in Narok North on December 27, 2015. Kipsigis and Maasai elders have started a peace initiative in the region. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Maasai and Kipsigis communities have embarked on a peace process after the recent conflicts that left four dead, several injured and hundreds displaced.
- The climax of the peace process will be a cleansing ceremony where a bull will be slaughtered as both communities feast together to signify peace.
- No new cases of violence have been reported since Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett visited the area.
- On Tuesday, residents of the area were seen driving back their livestock to their homes.
Maasai and Kipsigis communities have embarked on a peace process after the recent conflicts that left four dead, several injured and several others displaced.
A 50-member team has been formed to spearhead the peace process.
The team comprises chiefs, religious leaders, opinion leaders, community elders and youth leaders representing both sides of the communities residing in Olpusimoru.
The climax of the peace process will be a cleansing ceremony where a bull will be slaughtered as both communities feast together to signify peace.
Four people died while 40 were injured after being shot by arrows during the fight that left 200 houses burnt and more than 4,000 people displaced.
Speaking to Nation in Olpusimoru, the area Member of County Assembly Mr Wilson Masikonte said the ongoing process has been made possible after both communities gave dialogue a chance.
“When the teams selected by members of each community meet, they will agree on a common modality that will bring about lasting peace in the region,” said the MCA.
RETURN HOME
No new incidents of violence have been reported since Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett visited the area and met the two communities.
The CS warned those found to have played a role in the fighting that they would be arrested. He also ordered for the arrest of anyone found armed with bows, arrows and spears and further directed that no one should be out in the night.
Locals who have been camping at Township Primary School in Olenguruone Town after fleeing their homes have been assured of security and asked to return home.
On Tuesday, residents of the area were seen driving back their livestock to their homes. Women and children who had also fled were also seen returning to their homes on motorcycles.
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
Mr Stephen ole Nampaso, a representative of the youth said they have put down their weapons to give peace a chance.
"We are giving the government a chance to investigate the killers of the two herders who were shot dead in the forest," said Mr Nampaso.
However, he said despite calm returning to the area, the government needs to carry out cohesion campaigns between the two communities.
Mr Samson Kitamoni argued that both sides have suffered heavy losses and blamed ‘the devil’ for the skirmishes.
"We are tired of the tension that is being brought about by this animosity, we are ready to welcome our neighbours back,” he said.
Both sides of the Nakuru and Narok counties are working together to ensure those who were displaced are resettled.
By Wednesday, Narok County government donated 4,000 iron sheets to displaced victims whose houses were burnt down during the clashes. Each person will receive 20 iron sheets.
