Lamu communities bury hatchet by signing peace deal, vow to address drug abuse

President Uhuru Kenyatta shares a light moment with leaders from Lamu County when he witnessed the signing of a commitment to coexist at the Boma Hotel, Nairobi. Among the leaders is Lamu County Governor Mr Issa Timamy and Senator Lamu County, Mr Abu Chiaba. [PSCU]

LAMU: Residents of Lamu County Wednesday signed a peace pact witnessed by President Uhuru Kenyatta where they resolved to live in harmony.

The different communities agreed to forget their past differences that were sparked by the Mpeketoni bloody clashes in June.

As a sign of goodwill, the residents picked a group of peace ambassadors drawn from all the communities who have been attending reconciliation meetings to help foster  peace and harmonious co-existence.

The agreement dubbed The Lamu County Boma Commitment on Promotion of Peace and Cohesion was made after a series of peace-building initiatives organised by the Kenya Red Cross Society and local leaders.

President Kenyatta attended the ceremony at a Nairobi hotel.

The leaders who signed the commitment include Governor Issa Timamy, Senator Mohamed Abu Chiaba, County Commissioner Njenga Miiri, County Speaker Mohamed Hashim and Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa.

President Kenyatta witnessed the leaders embrace and hug each other to seal the peace deal and signify new-found unity.

In the commitment, the leaders resolved to support and co-operate with the Government in the maintenance of security through information sharing.

They also agreed to refrain from obstructing the police and other security agencies from undertaking their statutory functions. They agreed to work together in a bid to combat radicalisation and drug abuse among the youth to enhance security.

The leaders agreed to collectively address all issues that threaten cohesion, peace and prosperity. They also committed to desist from issuing statements that cast some communities negatively.

President Kenyatta praised leaders in the County for rising above partisan interests to iron out differences that arose after the Mpeketoni attacks.

He assured them of Government support for all initiatives aimed at peaceful co-existence.

“I met you to assure you of my personal commitment to efforts that will restore peace and glory that Lamu County is known for. Real peace is realised when communities are involved and agree to bury their differences,” Uhuru said.

The Head of State  also commended the Kenya Red Cross Society for the role it played in uniting the Lamu people. He said the Government will continue to partner with the humanitarian society and any other organisation that works to make life better for Kenyans.

“We will work with you. The Government will also fulfil its part of the deal contained in the commitment signed by the leaders,” the President said.

In response to requests by the Lamu leadership, President Kenyatta directed all Cabinet Secretaries to instil a sense of ownership on all new projects involving local communities during their implementation process.

“We should be more sensitive to the communities in the respective counties when initiating projects and programmes targeting them,” he said.

The President said work on a priority road that passes through the county will start in the next financial year.

He assured locals that the proposed Lapsset project that extends to neighbouring countries will benefit them more. Kenya Red Cross Society has been championing peace initiatives in the area.