From Spears to Peace: Reformed warriors rally for peace during Christmas in West Pokot

Pokot Community lead by Governor Simon Kachapin mark the annual cultural festival - Sintagh, to celebrate bountiful harvests and end of planting season. [Irissheel Shanzu/Standard] Reformed warriors from pastoralist communities across the North Rift have converged in West Pokot County to reaffirm their commitment to peace during the Christmas season, marking a significant milestone in efforts to end decades of banditry and insecurity along volatile borders. The meeting, convened under the umbrella of the Tonapa Peace Foundation, brought together warriors and elders from West Pokot, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties, among other pastoralist regions. Elders pledged to strengthen cross-border peace initiatives and promote coexistence among communities that have historically been divided by conflict. Dressed in colourful traditional regalia, the warriors danced and sang together, using culture as a symbol of reconciliation, unity and the burying of past hostilities. Peter Narasimet, chairperson of the Turkana Council of Elders in Aroo Sub-county, lauded the peace efforts, saying stability was the foundation of development in the region. "Without peace, there can be no development. Our people cannot farm, trade or educate their children when insecurity persists," Narasimet said, urging communities to safeguard the gains made so far. Tonapa Peace Foundation official Benjamin Ebenyo said the initiative aims to permanently seal peace among pastoralist communities, noting that banditry had for years crippled livelihoods and destroyed trust along border areas. "We know the history of pain this region has gone through. A few criminals have caused mayhem, but as elders we always step in to restore unity," Ebenyo said. He emphasised the critical role played by women in peace-building, noting that increased intermarriage between Pokot and Turkana communities had strengthened social ties. "Women are central to peace. Our communities are now intermarrying, sharing resources and living together. We are also encouraging the surrender of illegal firearms," he added. Ebenyo said cultural songs and dances would continue to be used as tools to spread peace messages, especially among the youth. Women leaders shared testimonies of how peace has transformed their lives. Grace Siywat from West Pokot said women were now enjoying the fruits of stability. "We are closer to our husbands, we can do business freely and encourage our daughters to marry across communities without fear," she said. Sasur Mosop from Elgeyo Marakwet County said she had never visited West Pokot in the past due to insecurity. "Fear kept us away. Schools closed, women slept in bushes and families avoided having children. Today, peace has changed everything, and our communities can now intermarry freely," she said. Peace activist Joseph Tochii recounted witnessing past massacres in the Kerio Valley, including the 2001 Chesongoch massacre, experiences he said pushed him into peace work. "I saw lives lost and property destroyed. That pain changed my life. Politicians should stop using banditry for political gain and instead support peace initiatives," Tochii said. Pokot South MP and 2027 gubernatorial aspirant David Pkosing, the chief guest at the event, said peace and justice must go hand in hand, insisting that violence benefits no one. "Peace without justice is not peace; it is slavery. No one has ever been rewarded for causing violence. Our community has embraced peace, and we must protect it," Pkosing said. He called on residents to maintain calm during the festive season, noting that for the first time in years, communities along the border were enjoying a peaceful Christmas without reported banditry attacks.

From Spears to Peace: Reformed warriors rally for peace during Christmas in West Pokot

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From Spears to Peace: Reformed warriors rally for peace during Christmas in West Pokot

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