For decades, Migori county has been on the limelight for violence rowdiness and hostility among locals and outsiders.
This has been evident especially during election periods, where millions of properties have been lost to theft and fire set by rowdy youths.
However, after series of interventions by various peace organizations, understanding the need for interreligious coexistence has led to peace among communities in Migori.
This comes after leaders from various religious groups were brought together in a programme that has been running in the county for the past five years.
Aggrey Amwomo of Chemichemi ya Ukweli (NGO) said there was a time Christians, Muslims, or even non-believers could not sit together, threatening the peace in Migori.
Amwomo explained that there were frequent misunderstandings among different groups simply because they did not understand each other’s faiths.
To address this, the NGO, through the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA), created forums where different religious groups meet to discuss peace and the importance of respecting freedom of religion and belief.
He explained that these spaces have helped build trust and encouraged communities to live together in a more harmonious manner.
Paul Omole, a peace ambassador, said the platforms did not just stop at interfaith dialogue but also provided opportunities to address extra community issues.
According to him, leaders have used the space to engage in conversations about governance and how communities can play a more active role in shaping their future.
Sheikh Issa Otieno and Agness Odhiambo, both peace actors in Migori, urged the government to utilise existing religious forums to engage with locals and advance its agenda.
Issa, a Muslim by faith, observed that peace is now a reality in Migori since he can freely walk into a church and interact with Christians without suspicion or hostility.
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