Communities along the West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet
counties border are now engaging in joint activities to foster peace and
development in the region ravaged by years of banditry.
The West Pokot department in charge of peace activities led by Rev John Alukusia carried out a peace engagement initiative along the border area of Chepkokow village, in Kipchumwa location, Marakwet East.
The activities involved staff, elders and community members from both West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
A joint meeting was held at Chemusto which is a strategic area at the border of Lomut ward (West Pokot) and Embobut ward (Marakwet).
The areas are historically known for inter-community tensions.
Elders and community leaders from both sides preached unity, mutual respect, and cross-border collaboration to enhance lasting peace and security.
Alukusia highlighted the importance of dialogue and traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, while elders and youth pledged their support to peaceful coexistence.
A key focus of the initiative was the Tilakai–Chemusto road which is a vital link between Pokot and Marakwet regions.
The road not only serves as a physical connection but also as a symbol of unity and development.
The county governments have pledged to ensure the road is well maintained and security improved because it is essential for trade, communication and peaceful interaction between the two communities.
Alukusia said West Pokot is commitment to working closely with local leaders to ensure continued peace-building efforts, infrastructure development and social harmony.
The event ended with prayers and a renewed call for peace along the Pokot–Marakwet border where residents also engaged in joint exercise to repair and clear bushes along roads.
This comes as governors in the North Rift region are proposing to have a plan on peace and development for the Kerio Valley.
The governors through the North Rift Economic Bloc, argued that the region has a potential and resources that can be tapped to turn it into a hub of prosperity.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang who is also chairman of Noreb, said for long term peace and stability, there should be an effort to deal with underlying issues that spark banditry.
“There is need to have a development marshal plan for the region and we are working with partners to see the intervention that will help us exploit the potential in that region,” Sang said.
He said existing potential in agriculture, minerals and mining sector in the region has the potential to spill over to the entire country.
“That is why we are seeking to work with all communities, development partners and the national government to exploit the potentials that can sustain peace and stability,” Sang said.
He said the government had made commendable efforts to stabilise the region where the situation had worsened after the killing of catholic priest fr Ambrose Bett two months ago.
Sang said banditry violence had stagnated development in the region negatively affecting residents, and ways must be found to implement sustainable development and peace.
“We must work to silence the guns and stop the bleeding because when Kerio Valley is hurting then all of us and neighbouring counties are also hurting,” Sang said.
The county chiefs last week held a Noreb meeting where the group signed new MoUs with Kerio Valley Development Authority and National Council of Churches of Kenya focusing on development and peace activities.
Governor Sang led governors who signed the MoU in Eldoret where they were hosted by Uasin Gishu’s Jonathan Bii.
Others present included Governor for West Pokot Simon Kachapin and his Elgeyo Marakwet counter part Wisley Rotich.
“We have agreed to a joint cooperation on several programmes coming up and also creating synergy in what we have already been doing with NCCK on the ground,” Sang said.
Governor Rotich said they are happy with efforts by the government to restore stability in the region.
