Kikuyus and Kalenjins in Nakuru sign peace deal

By Cyrus Ombati and Antony Gitonga

Kalenjins and Kikuyus living in Nakuru County have signed a peace accord to ensure they observe peace at all times.

The accord gives local elders powers to always intervene and resort to talks whenever there are issues that can lead to clashes.

A network of monitors will be created at different levels that will always ensure peace is observed.

National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) made revelation on Thursday at a meeting with editors in Nairobi as it sought the media’s help in ensuring the area and others are peaceful ahead and after the General Election.

Rift Valley experienced the worst violence after the 2007 General Election, pitting the two communities.

NCIC chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia said they hope to roll out such a programme to other warring communities soon.

“This is just the beginning of a long proposed exercise that will see us reach out to other communities,” said Kibunjia.

But elders who spoke at the meeting said much needed to be done to address underlying issues that may reignite violence.

Joseph Gichuru said land and boundaries that were identified as the main causes of war are yet to be addressed.

John Amukoya blameed president Kibaki for the violence in 2007/2008, saying he has never paid attention to Nakuru like his predecessors.