- Bandits have in the last eight month killed more than 120 people in the counties of Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot Samburu and parts of Turkana.
- The latest attack was in Baringo on Saturday where a senior police officer was shot dead.
Bishops and pastors from North Rift counties have launched a fresh bid to help end banditry in Kerio Valley.
The clergymen have initiated an initiative dubbed “Amani Kerio Valley” (peace in Kerio Valley) which will entail inter-community and inter-county community activities to foster peace and unity in the region.
Bandits have in the last eight month killed more than 120 people in the counties of Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot Samburu and parts of Turkana.
The latest attack was in Baringo on Saturday where a senior police officer was shot dead.
The church leaders from various denominations held a meeting at Chepareria in West Pokot where they came up with a raft of spiritual measures they will implement to help restore peace in the region.
The activities will include evangelism peace crusades targeting the host communities in the region which will be spearheaded by all denominations.
Bishop Maurice Crowley of Catholic Diocese of Kitale and Anglican Church of Kenya Bishop Emmanuel Chemengich chaired the meeting that also brought on board African Inland Church, Full Gospel Churches of Kenya and the Lutheran Church.
“We are deeply concerned with the lack of peace in the region and as churches we will intervene to help get our people to embrace God and live together in peace,”Bishop Crawley said.
The organisers of the forum also included professionals from the three Kerio Valley communities chaired by Francis Kibor.
Elgeyo Marakwet AIC Bishop David Kipsoi said the activities will include AIC in Marakwet East.
There will also be inter-denominational overnight prayers at AIC Tot on April 15 and April 16. The crusade will also take place in Kolowa and Chesegon in West Pokot, according to Bishop Kipsoi.
The churches will also develop a proposal on how to curb the insecurity menace and hand over to the government, Kipsoi said.
He challenged the government to recognise the contribution of the church in nation building, saying they would use their influence to persuade the Kerio Valley residents accept Christ and shun animosity.
The bishops said professionals from the Kerio Valley communities could also play an active role in supporting the church activities aimed at changing the mindset of the communities.
Bishop Crowley however said peace in the area can only be achieved if the host communities decided to end it and embrace good neighbourliness.
"These people have the same blood and they look alike, all of them created in the image of God. They should cultivate love for one another," he said.
He further said there was urgent need for the use of new and innovative strategies to combat insecurity which has disrupted livelihoods of the communities.
Baringo AIC Bishop William Kotut alongside his West Pokot counterparts were also in attendance, including county officials.
(edited by Amol Awuor)