Reformed warriors donate goats to landslide victims in West Pokot

In a gesture seen as a major boost to ending retrogressive cultural activities and cattle rustling, reformed warriors donated 100 goats to victims of floods and landslides that hit West Pokot in November last year.

The more than 100 former warriors from Baringo travelled from Amaya in Tiaty Constituency to Chesta village of West Pokot to support the families.

They said they were moved by the effects of the landslides that claimed more than 50 lives, killed livestock, destroyed property and displaced more than 1,500 people in Batei, Tapach and Weiwei wards.

West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo received the goats, saying more people should emulate the reformed warriors.

The governor said it was a positive move, noting that it was quite an unusual thing for reformed youths to give out their livestock to other people.

He said the initiative needs to be emulated by others to cultivate stronger solidarity and coexistence among residents.

The county boss said the move shows the youths have embraced change and shunned retrogressive culture.

“This is history because it has never happened before. It is not easy for Pokot youths to donate goats to others. The youths never went to school and neither do they speak English nor Kiswahili but have a giving heart,” said Lonyangapuo.

Former Tiaty MP Asman Kamama was part of the delegation. He said, "Recently, we fundraised for the youths to engage in income-generating activities and they have decided to give back to the community."

Reformed Warriors in Tiaty chairman Benjamin Naitale said the negative narrative that Pokot youths are cattle rustlers and bandits should stop.

West Pokot Woman Representative Lillian Tomtom praised the youths for helping victims of floods and landslides.

"The youths have joined churches and are engaging in development activities. We need to cooperate from Chura to Naita in the region,” she said.

Tomtom urged the government to empower youths in such communities.

“They need to be given funds to start businesses and cattle rustling will come to an end."