For three consecutive days, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and his Kapseret counterpart Oscar Sudi have taken upon themselves to mediate and bridge peace among three warring communities in the volatile region of Kerio Valley.
The two leaders accompanied by Sigor MP Hon Peter Lochakapong together with religious leaders and members of Pokot and Marakwet communities held a three-day consultative peace meeting which started on Thursday and ended on Saturday at Chesegon, Kiptulel Ward, Sigor Constituency West Pokot.
According to the two leaders, they decided to take the mandate upon themselves after the government showed no intentions of finding an everlasting solution to the situation and instead disarming National Police Reservists in the area.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi who has ancestral roots in Marakwet said that they won’t relent in seeking peace and harmony among residents in Kerio Valley.
“As leaders, we are determined to end banditry and other retrogressive activities and let communities work together as they seek to spur economic growth. I am happy that locals are excited and more than willing to embrace peace and brotherhood,” said Sudi.
He added that inhabitants of Chesegon Trading Centre which had been deserted for long due to insecurity would come back to proceed with their livelihoods after the two communities agreed to end the animosities that existed before.
“We are planning to reopen the market on 31st this month with the aim to foster unity and spur economic growth in the area. Members of Pokot and Marakwet communities are ready to work together and maintain peace both as neighbours and brothers. We choose PEACE.” said Sudi
On his part, Murkomen observed that there will be no developments in the two regions if the communities do not agree and find everlasting peace. He said that the two communities of Pokot and Marakwet should not expect outsiders and strangers to help them find a solution to their problems but should instead rely on themselves to solve their own problems.
“For without Peace, there can be no development. We have therefore chosen the path of peace by all means possible. We congregated today in Chesegon in the border of West Pokot&Elgeyo Marakwet counties to agree as 2 communities to end hostilities&walk the way of peace. So help us, God!” tweeted Murkomen.
The two leaders were later joined by Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen, Former IG David Kimayo among many other area MCAs on their last day of the meetings. Their efforts were recognized and commended by many residents saying that the two had shown the way that should be embraced by the two communities to bring to an end the banditry which had escalated