Elders from three conflict-prone counties in the North Rift have resolved to curse bandits as a last resort.
The elders drawn from Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Baringo counties have given the criminals seven days to confess, apologise and surrender illegal firearms in their possession or face consequences of the impending curse.
Speaking after a two-day retreat in Cheptebo, Elgeyo Marakwet County, the more than 150 elders regretted that cattle rustling had persisted in the three counties despite heavy presence of police officers.
West Pokot elders’ coordinator Wilson Tonapa said a team of elderly men, who are culturally mandated to administer curses, had been selected to cast the spell.
The elders are drawn from the Pokot (from Kenya and Uganda), Marakwet and Tugen communities as well as Sebei of Uganda.
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“Elders will decide where and how the cursing ceremonies will be carried out,” Mr Tonapa said.
He said Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet, who launched the elders’ retreat on Sunday, was in support of the decision to perform the curses.
Cursing, among most Kalenjin communities, is an intricate age-old practice. It is performed by some chosen elders perceived to be of good character as a last resort in conflict resolution.
It is believed to cause death or madness among culprits.
Tonapa said thousands of innocent people had been killed and property worth billions of shillings stolen for decades due to rustling-related skirmishes.
“The bandits come from this region and understand the implications of the curse. They have an option of apologising and surrendering their firearms,” he said.
Marakwet elder Joel Chebet praised the move, saying it would help restore farming that had been paralysed in many areas of Kerio Valley as a result of banditry.
“We support disarmament and we issue a warning to youths who will continue with banditry that they will face death if they don’t reform,” said Chebet.
Augustin Ayeba, from the Sebei community of Uganda, said peace between his community and the Pokot was restored after elders condemned and cast spells on suspected killers and cattle rustlers.
“Sebei and Pokot cows now graze together and cross the Kenya and Uganda borders, and no one steals them, thanks to elders who helped us curse cattle thieves and attackers,” Mr Ayeba said.
Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Wisley Rotich and Keiyo South MP Daniel Rono said frequent raids had scared away investors from North Rift counties.
