West Pokot, Turkana leaders unite to preach peace

When Interior CS Kithure Kindiiki, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich and his West Pokot counterpart Simon Kachapin joined traditional dancers during a peace meeting at Kalia area on the borders of Marakwet and Pokot on July 25, 2023. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

West Pokot and Turkana counties leaders have set aside their political differences to address rising tensions along the common border.

This follows a heated exchange between leaders from the two counties over boundary disputes and grazing patterns, which have led to the loss of lives and livestock, particularly around Kainuk in Turkana and Lami Nyeusi in West Pokot.

Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong and his Turkana South counterpart John Ariko attended a joint peace meeting in Lami Nyeusi.

The meeting brought together the warring Pokot and Turkana communities in a significant step towards reconciliation.

"Today shall go down in history that during our time as MPs from these two bordering constituencies of Sigor and Turkana South, we came together in a peace-building mission and advocated for peace," said Lochakapong.

"I am calling on all those living along the border to end their long-standing rivalry for the betterment of our economy and way of life. From today, my friend and I are going to walk together and advocate for peace in this region," he added.

Turkana South MP John Ariko urged his constituents to embrace peaceful coexistence in hotspot areas and security apparatus to address banditry by targeting individuals rather than communities.

"We cannot accept this anymore. We have been denied development projects by partners, well-wishers, and the government due to insecurity. Every time we ask for projects, they tell us to sort out our insecurity issue first," Ariko said.

Despite the presence of security officers, parts of Ombolion, Lami Nyeusi, Amolem, and Cheptule continue to experience insecurity.