Leaders launch peace meeting in serach of elusive peace in Kerio valley

A National Police Reservists (NPR) in Baringo. His counterparts in Elgeyo Marakwet were recently disarmed. [File, Standard]

Leaders from the bandit-prone West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties have embarked on a series of peace meetings in Kerio Valley.

 Insecurity in the areas has led to killings of hundreds of people and theft of cattle from the two neighbouring communities.

 Learning has been interrupted in the area after families fled the volatile border due to attacks. Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen and his Sigor counterpart Peter Lochakapong said the meetings will give them an opportunity to restore order in the region.

 Bowen said peace committees, chiefs and MCAs from the two sub counties are expected to attend the peace meetings.

“We shall then head to our respective constituencies meeting locals, farmers, traders, elders, youth, clergy among other community members for two days before holding a joint meeting at Chesegon where the two communities will ratify the peace treaty and inaugurate a common implementation committee to enforce the resolutions,” said Mr Bowen.

He said they will no longer entertain boardroom meetings that were prevalent before but are now encouraging village meetings since peace building should bring all and sundry on board.

“We are also looking forward to form joint SACCOs for the two communities and a cooperative society besides buying water pumps for reformed cattle rustlers to encourage farming and foster peace and cohesion among the warring community,” said the lawmaker.

The MP regretted that relentless insecurity in the Kerio valley was steadily locking the region into a warzone making investors shun the area as others already in operation have deserted their projects.

“Kerio valley is one of the productive regions in the country but without peace, all is futile. We are focused in opening up the region and develop and enable the residents enjoy what God gave them because they have all known battles for decades,” he said.