Interior PS Dr Raymond Omollo (in white shirt] North Horr MP Wario Ade oversee the signing of a peace accord in the Illeret trading center on July 2, 2025.Community members from the Gabra and Dassanach are optimistic that the recently signed peace pact will hold, ushering in a new dawn following decades of hostilities.
The long-anticipated agreement, signed in Illeret, North Horr constituency, last week, was witnessed by senior officials from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
The pact seeks to reconcile the two pastoralist communities, whose relationship has been marred by periodic violence since Kenya’s independence.
On Saturday – two days after the signing of the peace accord—residents said the hostilities had contributed to the two communities lagging behind in development.
Mike Kesho, chair of the Dassanach Peace Committee, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who played a role in brokering the agreement, calling it a breakthrough.
“We remain optimistic that this accord will usher in a new era of peaceful coexistence, economic revitalisation and shared prosperity for our communities and the region at large,” he said.
His Gabra counterpart, Hero Elema, said the tension that had existed between the two communities was now a thing of the past.
“The interactions between the two communities have already improved significantly, with members now freely visiting and spending nights in each other’s villages – something previously unimaginable,” he said.
North Horr MP Wario Ade and elders from the Gabra and Dassanach hold the peace agreements.“This accord lays a strong foundation for socio-economic growth. It is a chance to revive the fish and livestock trade, which had suffered under the weight of recurrent violence,” Katelo said.
He emphasised the need for equitable sharing of natural resources, particularly as communities contend with the growing impacts of climate change.
Fr Benedict Mukavi of the Illeret Catholic Mission urged the two communities to strengthen their bonds further.
“We encourage the Gabra and Dassanach youth to intermarry. It is a powerful symbol and safeguard of lasting peace,” he said.
North Horr MP, Wario Ade, lauded the peace initiative, linking recent development gains in the region to improved security and mutual understanding between the communities.
“Where peace prevails, development follows. This accord marks a new beginning for our people,” he remarked.
During the signing ceremony, Interior PS Raymond Omollo urged the communities to turn the page on historical animosities and embrace peaceful coexistence.
“We urge the communities to bury their differences and build a future rooted in unity. There is no future in conflict—only in peace,” he said.
The PS emphasised the importance of respecting the rule of law, calling on citizens to utilise legal and peaceful avenues when expressing dissent toward government policies.
He warned that those who incited or participated in recent protests associated with the Gen Z movement would face legal consequences.
“The government will not hesitate to take firm action against those involved in violent demonstrations,” he added.
Eastern regional commissioner Paul Rotich, who accompanied the Principal secretary, appealed to the pastoralist communities to embrace education as a transformative force for sustainable peace and development.
“Education is the foundation for change. Only through it can we break the cycle of conflict and foster a peaceful future,” he noted
