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Residents of Samburu County have been urged to develop “home-grown” solutions to achieve lasting peace in the region.
The call was made during a peace forum held in Rumuruti, Laikipia County, which brought together various stakeholders including officials from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), national government administrators, police officers, peace committees, elders from the Samburu and Turkana communities, and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities.
Speaking at the forum, youth representative Ewoi Abura from Baragoi emphasized the need to curb the misuse of social media by young people to fuel conflict. He noted that posting content that glorifies inter-communal killings or livestock theft undermines peace building efforts.
Elders Wilfred Marti from the Turkana community and Thomas Lemedero, a retired senior chief from Baragoi Sub-County, underscored the importance of local initiatives in promoting peace. They stressed that it is the responsibility of Samburu residents, particularly elders, to lead peace building efforts.
However, Dorcas Leakono from Baragoi pointed out the need for the redeployment of a special security force in Samburu. She noted that the county had enjoyed relative peace during the two years the special force had been stationed in the area.
Samburu Central Deputy County Commissioner Titus Omanyi, representing the County Commissioner, said the forum attendees had been carefully selected as peace ambassadors. They are expected to return to their communities and actively participate in efforts to end violence and livestock theft.
Triza Nairote Enae from Impact said the forum aimed to develop practical solutions to the persistent conflict in Samburu County.
Kieni MP and Parliamentary Committee member Njoroge Wainaina called on the warring Samburu and Turkana communities to abandon outdated cultural practices that continue to fuel conflict. He was accompanied by fellow committee member, Isiolo North MP Lomwa Joseph Samal.
NCIC Commissioner Dorcas Kedogo emphasized the importance of sensitizing the two communities on the value of peace and the sanctity of life.END
