Rtd. Maj. Gen Oddha Swaleh Jillo (in traditional attire carrying a drum) makes his way past Digo Road in Mombasa County on Friday 2nd January 2015 Photo/Kelvin Karani

A retired army major from Tana River who traverses different counties on foot preaching peace has denied claims he is a witchdoctor. 

When The Nairobian caught up with Maj (rtd) Odha Swalleh at his home, he was about to start his journey to Lunga Lunga border town, which he said would take two days.

He revealed that his traditional Pokomo regalia and a drum that he uses to entertain people with traditional peace songs, have made some people suspect he is a witchdoctor.

Swalleh, who served in the 20th battalion from 1991 to 2010, vehemently denies these allegations.

He says his sole mission is to preach peace especially in the Coast region and people must stop mistaking him.

“The attire represents my community, and even though people have got it mixed up, I usually explain my mission,” said Swalleh, adding that he has so far covered over 600 kilometres from Tana River to Mombasa and now plans to walk to Lunga Lunga, about 400 km from Mombasa and where he intends to wind up his journey.

Swalleh, who collects peace signatures from the youth and local communities, says his motivation was sparked by his grandfather who walked from Hola to Mombasa.

While on his ‘walk-to-win peace mission’, he survives on fruits and water and sometimes he receives funds from friends and well-wishers.

At night, he sleeps by the roadside to escape wild animals, which he has encountered on several occasion including hyenas, snakes and wild cats.

 “Originally I wanted to walk and break my grandfather’s record, but then I realised the country especially the Coastal region had been hit by lot of violence and insecurity, I decided to make this a peace walk to urge the communities to embrace peace,” said the father of seven adding, “we have lost many youths both in the security forces and in the community to violence and insecurity and it is time we stood together to preach peace,” he told The Nairobian.

The retired Major says he targets youth mainly from the Coast region since they are vulnerable to join Al-shaabab and other terror gangs.

He lauded chiefs and local leaders who have helped him traverse the region and the communities especially women who give him food to eat along the way.