Elders turn to curses to help end constant bandit attacks

Pokot elder Samson Kachio inspects a bull killed during a ceremony to curse bandits, in Kabushen on the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties last week. [Stephen Rutto, Standard]

Evening is quickly approaching when a group of elders assemble in a deserted area for a rare ceremony.

The area, Kabushen, lies on the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties.

Tired of the never-ending insecurity in the region, the men have resorted to taking matters into their own hands if only to stop the attacks.

On this day they gather for a ‘cursing ceremony’, which is aimed at smoking out unrepentant suspects who have snubbed a one-week ultimatum to surrender and repent of their evil ways.

The story is told of how a similar event was held in the area about a century ago and helped end inter-ethnic fights between the Tugen and Keiyo communities. Those in attendance are hoping for similar results.

Sinking sun

Conversation is muted. Smiles and laughter are traditionally outlawed in such weighty ceremonies.

Two bulls - one black and white, and the other brown - are speared to death. Their meat is roasted and eaten by residents, which signals a call for peace and cohesion among the warring communities.

As the sun sinks lower in the sky, a Pokot elder, Samson Kachio, leads a team of nearly 80 grey-haired men in carrying out the day’s mission.

Standing ramrod-straight in his leopard-print robe, red fez and orange stole, Kachio easily cuts the figure of a priest presiding over mass.

“We declare death upon those who have killed our innocent people and stolen our animals,” he chants, facing the setting sun.

Then he cries, “Tilil koro nda matilil? (is our region safe or not?) to which the elders respond “tilil!” (safe).

At this time, the few women who had attended a short meeting before the ceremony are asked to leave. Kachio later explains that only men who are respected in society can participate. In less than half an hour, the session is over and the elders hurriedly walk away. “It is a tradition to immediately leave the venue so that the curse doesn’t affect you or your family,” one elder breathlessly whispers.

Speaking after the elaborate ceremony, Kachio hints that the bandits will be followed by death and doom. “What we have conducted here will yield fruits. Let us give the culprits of killings and cattle thefts in the area just three weeks and you will see deaths and misery following these criminals.”

He, however, says the suspects can still be forgiven if they confess. “Elders can call for a meeting and conduct a cleansing ceremony if a suspect apologises for his wrong-doing.”

Latest casualty

The latest casualty of the blood-thirsty bandits was 29-year-old David Kipchumba, a clinical officer who was shot and killed while riding on a motorcycle.

Kipchumba’s death sparked outrage among health workers operating in Kerio Valley.

Meshack Chepnjor, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers Secretary General, Elgeyo Marakwet County Chapter, said the union would ask its members working in the region to boycott work if the State failed to provide adequate security.

“Kipchumba was a young clinical officer who had just completed his internship and started formal employment. The union is meeting to issue a comprehensive statement and a way forward,” said Mr Chepnjor.

Kenya National Union of Teachers Marakwet Secretary John Cheberi also warned that teachers working in the region would soon withdraw their services to protest rising cases of bandit attacks. 

Marakwet OCPD Vincent Kitili said that five people had been killed in Kerio Valley in two weeks.