The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has drafted a 14 points strategy geared towards pacifying the volatile Kerio Valley region.
Speaking in Uasin Gishu County, the bishops have recommended among other things, to mainstream peace activities in already existing programs and projects.
Additionally, they recommended holding annual peace initiative conferences on a rotational basis and using local community radio and TV stations to popularize the North Rift peace initiative (NRPI) and other peace initiatives.
“We hope that as we launch this initiative today with all the stakeholders on board, it will mark a new beginning of peace for the people of North Rift who have not known peace for a long time,” remarked Bishop Juma.
Conflicts for business
Nandi Governor Steven Sang who represented other Governors, said that political leaders are actively involved in the Kerio Valley border conflicts.
The governors added that for many years politicians have been benefiting by making billions out of the cattle rustling business.
“It is a shame that we can still suggest that politicians are involved in this insecurity nightmare, but cannot come out and name them for who they are. Time has come for us to be honest with each other for the sake of peace,” fired a furious Sang.
Sang further claimed that some of the people who have been fuelling insecurity in the North Rift region continue to hold public offices and political offices.
“Some of the people who cause us insecurity problems are senior political leaders, and they continue to hold offices without shame as our people die for them in the Valley,” added Sang.
His sentiments were also echoed by his Turkana County counterpart Jeremiah Lomorukai, who affirmed that politicians are majorly involved in the issue of insecurity and conflict in that region.
“The issue of Kerio Valley disputes is not only about culture but also politics. We all know there are politicians who are making billions of shillings from cattle rustling businesses, and they are the ones who interfere with peace processes, “said Lomorukai
Lomorukai further petitioned investigative agencies to bring to book those who finance the insecurity for their own personal gains as he lauded the initiative launched by Catholic Bishops.
The launch comes a few weeks after Interior Cabinet Secretary Professor Kithure Kindiki announced that the national government was going to establish five border intercommunity schools as part of the reconciliation process and foster harmony between the communities.
The recommendations read by Kitale Diocese Bishop Henry Juma were championed by nine Bishops from 9 counties across the larger Rift Valley region.
In attendance also were reformed bandits, state officials, and other non-state actors.