The elders, who met in Kerio Valley on Sunday, threatened to withdraw their peacemaking services if the county and national governments fail to facilitate them as agreed.
Kachio said that it was through their peace initiatives that calm had returned to Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, Baringo and Samburu counties with almost no cases of banditry reported in four months.
“We have been using our own resources to travel to very harsh areas and risk our lives. But we have achieved peace without the support we needed from the government. Let them give us some allowance as a token of appreciation,” he said.
“It is unfortunate the government has failed to recognise us and give the elders some appreciation. The government has been unable to end banditry for many years but we have done it and we deserve recognition.”
The elder said they had applied traditional and cultural methods instead of the government's gun orders, disarmament and other use of force.
His Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Andrew Chemweno said it was time the two levels of governments budgeted funds so elders can work effectively.
Traditional methods ncluded cursing bandits, they said. Hundreds of head of cattle stolen in raids were recovered, they said.
“Our methods have worked in many areas,” Chemweno said.
The elders said the usual tension and frequent retaliatory attacks among communities in Kerio Valley had ceased and residents were at peace.
Edited by R.Wamochie
