Leaders trade accusations during Turkwel peace caravan visit

Animosity between feuding Pokot and Turkana has adversely affected a peace caravan that has been established to end hostility between the two communities.

Leaders from Baringo, West Pokot and Turkana have been holding peace meetings for the last two weeks to try and address the boundary row which led to the Nadome massacre where more than 50 people were killed.

Leaders who at the weekend converged at Turkwel gorge to engage with the communities, found themselves in an awkward situation after an MCAs kicked off tension by publicly declaring that the Turkwel power plant is in Turkana County.

His sentiments were immediately echoed by Turkana South MP James Lomenen who accused the Pokot side of trying to evict them from their land by use of banditry and cattle rustling.

Turkwel is one of the areas under dispute and where many lives have been lost due to animosity between the two communities.

TAKE THEM

"You say that Lorogon is yours, even Kainuk, then take them, we have lost many people and we are tired of burying, we need peace so that our people can concentrate in their economic activities without fear," Lomenen said.

Undeterred, the leaders promised to engage Government in setting up a special commission to solve the dispute and condemned those fuelling animosity and inciting community members.

Also present was Rift valley Regional Coordinator Osman Warfa who said Government will no longer engage with criminals adding that a disarmament exercise will soon be launched.