Former minister Linah Jebii Kilimo speaking during the special commemoration service for the late Fr Allois Cheruiyot Bett in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet, on July 19, 2025/COURTESYFormer Cabinet Minister Linah Jebii Kilimo has called on communities living along the volatile Kerio Valley to embrace peace and unity as a foundation for development and lasting security in the region.
Kilimo lamented that decades of banditry and cattle rustling have derailed development efforts and left the region lagging behind economically and socially.
Speaking during a special commemoration service for the late Fr Allois Cheruiyot Bett, who was killed by bandits in June, Kilimo Kilimo pleaded with the residents to give peace a chance.
"As people of Kerio Valley, we have suffered for a long time because of insecurity. Let us now forget the past and embrace peace for the sake of development, " Kilimo said during an event in Tot.
The ex-Marakwet East MP said for development to be realised in the region, there was need for the residents to accommodate all those from other areas doing businesses and those working in the region.
"Let us avoid by all means the use of the words locals and non locals. We are all Kenyans and free to live, do business or work in any part of the country without any fear of being attacked," said Kilimo.
She also thanked President William Ruto for appointing Kipchumba Murkomen as Interior Cabinet Secretary, saying he well understands problems facing the region.
"Let's support our son (Kipchumba Murkomen) by embracing peace so that he can serve other parts of the country knowing we'll that everything at home as far as security is concerned is well," said Kilimo.
She argued that it would not be good when the CS preaches peaceful coexistence in other parts of the country while his locality is not safe.
"The only way we can help CS Murkomen and show the President our gratitude is to live harmoniously among ourselves and with our neighbors," said Kilimo.
She urged women in the region to take the lead in preaching peace and reconciliation.
Kilimo expressed concern that mothers and children have been subjected to untold suffering due to cattle rustling incidents.
“Mothers bear the biggest brunt of cattle rustling incidents as they have to flee their homes in the valley carrying their young children and their belongings to safer areas along the escarpments. They are really suffering,” said Kilimo.
Kilimo also praised the ongoing security efforts along the Kerio Valley saying they are yielding fruits.
She said it was impressive that residents were now working in collaboration with security agencies in the fight against banditry and cattle rustling incidents.
Catholic Bishop of Eldoret Dominic Kimengich who was present called for an end to banditry attacks in Kerio Valley urging those with illegal arms to surrender them and embrace peace.
He said the bandits must drop their guns and opt for peace because there have been attacks for years but it had not benefited anyone or any of the affected communities.
"Let's hope the blood for Fr Bett will bring lasting peace in this region ," said Bishop Kimengich.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Governor Wisely Rotich called for concerted efforts in fighting insecurity.
He regretted that a lot of resources have been wasted in fighting insecurity at the expense of development projects.
