Baringo Members of Parliament have been urged to use the ongoing parliamentary recess to spearhead peace efforts in their constituencies amid rising insecurity in the region.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula made the appeal during an afternoon sitting in Parliament, emphasising that elected leaders must take a frontline role in disarming and engaging youth who have been linked to illegal firearms and banditry.
“These are the young men who vote for you. Go and meet them, talk to them,” said Wetang’ula.
“Encourage them to stop wielding illegal firearms so that, as leaders, you also play your role to ensure there is peace within your jurisdiction.”
He specifically addressed MPs Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), Joseph Makilap (Baringo North), William Kamket (Tiaty), Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), Florence Jematia (County MP), Joshua Kandie (Baringo Central) and Charles Kamuren (Baringo South), urging them to reconnect with their communities during the break.
Wetang’ula praised the Administration and National Security Committee for their detailed report on insecurity in six counties, noting that while relative calm had returned to places like Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, and Marsabit, Baringo remained a hotspot.
“Currently, the area that is experiencing a lot of problems is Baringo,” noted committee Vice Chair Dido Raso. “We will be able to give a report to the House immediately after the recess.”
The Speaker particularly challenged younger legislators, such as Kiborek, to use their relatability and influence to reach youth more effectively than their older colleagues.
“Your access to them is better than probably Musa Sirma’s and others’. Don’t wait for the police to come from Nairobi—you can also play your part,” Wetang’ula urged.
In a firm response, Sirma assured the House that Baringo leaders were committed to resolving the conflict.
“On behalf of all the members, those present and those not, we shall endeavour to clean up what is the mess within Baringo,” he said.
Wetang’ula concluded by insisting that all leaders, including those not present, must be included in the grassroots peacebuilding process. “Don’t leave anyone behind,” he said, in a final call for collective action.
As insecurity continues to affect Kenya’s northern belt, the Speaker’s directive signals a shift toward locally led peace interventions, placing the burden of change squarely on the shoulders of elected leaders.
