Political goodwill is needed to end clashes in West Pokot

Conflicts between the Pokot and Marakwet communities have more often than not taken a tribal inclination.

Indeed, the threat of tribal conflict between the two communities is real, well documented and cannot be underestimated.

The Pokot-Marakwet conflict is as old as history and the cause was an insatiable desire to own as many animals as possible through cattle rustling.

In 1998, unprecedented cases of killings and cattle-rustling reached unimaginable levels.

The situation was dire and both sides surrendered their guns and drafted an indigenous law to govern them.

Stakeholders in the peace deal included politicians and non-governmental organizations, which introduced the two communities to dairy farming through self-help groups.

When tribalism becomes a key factor in violent conflict, traditional diplomacy may be of little value in the quest for lasting peace or in conflict management as was the case of Pokot and Marakwet.

In such cases, the contribution of politics in fixing tribal conflict must be explored and explicated to the full. Political leaders from both sides can mobilize their supporters to facilitate peace.

It somehow explains why politicians from the two sides work together in Parliament and even dine together in Five-Star hotels as the poor wananchi massacre themselves in Kerio valley.

Bringing the political dimension into the peacemaking process in Pokot-Marakwet conflict can create an effective means to help locals examine critically their own attitudes and actions.

It is also important to remember that Pokots and Marakwets are marginalised communities and need to catch up with others.

It is therefore, upon political elites of Pokot and Marakwet to create and maintain an everlasting peace for which they will be remembered for years on end.

The Government and other stakeholders should establish the causes of conflict among the pastoral communities and examine the conflict resolution initiatives and evaluate and formulate peace building initiatives among the warring communities to restore peace and coexistence.

Village leaders should also address disputes, for instance fight over access to water points before they go out of hand.

Chest-thumping, finger-pointing and counter-accusations will only lead to despair.