Turkana, Ethiopian communities make peace after feud over theft of guns

Members of the Turkana community from Kenya and their Ethiopian counterparts from the Nyangatom community during a peace meeting at Nangulungatuny on Friday. [Bakari Ang'ela, Standard]

"The communities at the border have been living in peace for many years and we will not allow a few individuals to take us back to the dark days," he said.

Mr Charles Ekeno, from the Turkana community, said they will not allow actions such as the theft of guns to cause animosity between them and their neighbours.

He said the two communities learned the importance of peace following the killing of 40 people some years back. "Trade has been thriving along the once-volatile border and we want this to continue. We are guarding the peace we are currently enjoying jealousy. No one will be allowed to cause tensions among local communities," he said.

Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai said that the border area continues to enjoy peace despite the gun theft incidents.

Lomorukai said the Nyangatom is among communities that have been invited to the Turkana Cultural Festival that will start on October 12, an invite he said would contribute to strengthening peace.

"Business is booming along the border and herders are grazing freely. There are many Turkana herders grazing on the Ethiopian side of the border.

He added: "There are also several Ethiopian herders grazing in Kenya because of peace accords. We will be celebrating the peace during our cultural festival."

Wafula has urged residents both from Kenya and Ethiopia to work with security officers in addressing their grievances instead of taking the law into their own hands.