Peace actors have encouraged communities living along the Migori-Narok border at Ogwedhi village to embrace peace as a way of upholding co-existence.
Speaking during the commemoration of the International Day for Peace at Ogwedhi Sigawa location, Suna East Assistant County Commissioner Thomas Koros said that a peaceful coexistence is key for economic development.
The ACC said that the decision to hold the International Day for Peace at Ogwedhi was necessary so as to sensitize the tribes that live along the border on the importance of peace.
“I want to commend the organizers for this event for choosing this place because it is an opportunity for the communities staying around to learn the importance of peaceful coexistence,” he said.
He noted that the area which is occupied by the Luos and Kuria from Migori and Maasai communities from Narok County has been a blackspot of cattle rustling which has been the main peace destructor.
“We have been having the challenge of cattle rustling which has led to the communities accusing each other of the theft cases, neutralizing peaceful coexistence among the communities,” he noted.
His sentiments were supported by Sigawa Location chief Philip Korotom, who urged the communities along the Ogwedhi-Transmara border to give reconciliations and peaceful talks a chance to end the scars among them.
The two administrators however, acknowledged the local community elders’ attempts to spearhead the talks which have played key role in bringing the communities together.
Arch Bishop Enock Odongo from the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) – Migori Chapter commended the clergy on their efforts of advocating for peacebuilding.
He noted that through lobbying and rallying the communities towards a peace through peaceful messages in their sermons will go a long way in ensuring that peace is finally found.
The sentiments were supported by Reverend Joe Asila who said that peaceful discussions will always be the best solution to the internal and external disagreements.
He said that it is essential for the border communities to embrace and uphold peace so as to amicably solve the challenges facing the communities at the border of any administrational unit.
He encouraged church and political leaders to be promoters of peace in their daily undertakings so as to be good role models for the citizens.
“We encourage the leaders to embrace the different communities in the church and at the political seats by being united because that will be a good role modelling,” he added.
George Othina who represented Kwa Member of County Assembly said that promoting peace has been one of the greatest value within the county governments and it should be replicated and passed down to the lowest administration unit.
The peace messages follows the intergovernmental peace meetings between Migori County and Narok County leadership chaired by Migori County Commissioner David Gitonga and his Narok Counterpart Isaac Masinde.
The meeting took place at Ang’ata Baragoi along the borders of Kilgoris, Transmara and Kuria East Sub Counties to address cattle rustling and land disputes.
IAN BYRON