- When this happens, he lamented that it is women and children who bear the brunt of attacks.
- "Women have not only been widowed but are also victims as they are also killed or maimed by bandits," she said.
Image: ABDIKADIR CHARI
Women from insecurity-prone areas in the Saku constituency have been urged to lead the search for peace following a spate of insecurity in the region.
Speaking during the closing ceremony for the girl's camp at Moi Girls Marsabit, county first lady Alamitu Guyo Jattani said the frequent acts of lawlessness in the region have led to the loss of hundreds of lives and property.
When this happens, she lamented that it is women and children who bear the brunt of attacks.
"Women have not only been widowed but are also victims as they are also killed or maimed by bandits," she said.
She sent her condolences to the bereaved families while condemning the endless killings describing them as heartless and barbaric.
"It's not good to profile a community because of the evil acts done by criminals whose mission is to tarnish the county's name," she said even as she urged security agencies to act decisively without mercy.
The county first lady said the policies and programmes aimed at preventing armed conflicts, building sustainable peace and post-conflict reconstruction would not succeed without women's active participation.
" Women can prevent conflicts by negotiating with warring parties to embrace peace because it's them and children who suffer most during conflicts," said the First Lady.
"We have to address our cultural matters before any legal changes. If nothing changes with the collective imagination of our people, the role of women in society will not be transformed," she said.
She said the development would be elusive if our people refused to live in peace and unity.
"Without peace, there can never be meaningful progress. When we embrace, love, unity and progress will help in making our county a better place for all," she added
The county first lady stressed the need to overcome any existing demographic differences that could be precursors of hatred, hostility and divisions.
She said community elders also command a lot of respect and influence that can be used to engender positive behavioural changes in their respective communities.
She called for unity among the residents and urged them to bury their differences for the best interest of the county.
She further urged residents to shun ethnic and political differences, noting that unity and prosperity are the bedrock of development and progress.
While echoing her peace calls, West Pokot first lady Scovia Chebet Kachapin urged residents not to hide criminals but instead cooperate with security agencies to foster peace and development.
Marsabit County's first lady advised parents to nurture their children well in order for them to have a better future.
She said parents should look at their children in the best way possible if they want to be important people in future.
Kachapin said education is one of the most valuable tools a parent can give to their children.
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"Lay a good foundation for your children by ensuring that they get a good education despite economic challenges," she said
She encouraged parents to do constant check-ups at the school and with parents of the child's close friends, noting that this could go a far way in preventing a youngster from engaging in criminal activities.
She called upon parents and guardians to value the education of girls by giving them an equal chance with boys.
"Parents must play a greater role in instilling social skills in their education. Proper skills will enable a child to develop cognitive behaviour," she said
She advised parents not to give up their girl child out for early marriages but rather ensure that they complete their education.
She said parents must see their girl children as assets and invest in their education to enable them to become better wives in future.
Alamitu urged residents to abandon female genital mutilation and take up safer practices explaining that FGM is an outdated cultural practice that destroys the future of girls.
She challenged those practising to discard the retrogressive culture by finding alternative rites of passage.
She urged parents to take an active role in the lives of their children including protecting them against sexual violence and teenage pregnancy.
More than 136 young girls completed their four days of training with girls being equipped with vital knowledge about menstrual health, personal hygiene, the dangers of FGM and their legal rights.
The girls were inspired by expert facilitators who worked tirelessly to ensure each and every girl left camp with a newfound sense of confidence.
In attendance were Nairobi county first lady Beatrice Sakaja, Migori first lady Agnes Ochillo and Taita Taveta's Sabina Mwadili among others
Image: ABDIKADIR CHARI