Rift Valley leaders in peace talks as raiders strike

LODWAR: Political leaders from the North Rift region have started peace talks between communities living in the area in a bid to end persistent conflicts.

The leaders from West Pokot, Turkana, Baringo and Samburu counties on Tuesday convened at Nasal in Kacheliba constituency before heading to Lorengkip in Turkana County to reunite Pokot and Turkana communities.

More than 15 political leaders initiated the peace caravan after holding talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto to end killings among pastoral communities.

But even as the peace caravan continued, Kases Chief Joseph Korkimul said four raiders suspected to be from the neighbouring Turkana County attacked Kases village and stole 40 goats. Mr Korkimul urged leaders to engage locals rather than holding meetings.

"We have held so many meetings but they have not helped. What we need is to engage the locals directly and convince them to shun cattle rustling and agree to live in peace, otherwise the fighting will continue," said Korkimul.

The leaders said it was time for the communities to embrace peace and stop killing each other over boundaries and cattle theft.

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The leaders included governors Simon Kachapin (West Pokot), Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo), Josephat Nanok (Turkana), West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo, over 10 MPs and woman representatives from the three counties led by National Assembly Security Committee Chairman Asman Kamama.