Victor Rotich, peace resilience officer at FPFK, engages with widows and reformed cattle rustlers at Tambul market in Chemelil-Chemase, Tinderet subcounty, Nandi county /Faith Matete
Victor Rotich,
peace resilience
officer at FPFK,
engages with
widows and
reformed cattle
rustlers at
Tambul market
in ChemelilChemase,
Tinderet
subcounty,
Nandi county
/FAITH MATETE
Violent clashes, mostly driven by cattle rustling, left a grim legacy: lives lost, homes torched and herds stolen.
At the height of the crisis, it was not uncommon to see young men roaming villages with poisoned arrows, machetes and clubs, always on edge and ready for conflict.
Today, however, a quiet transformation is unfolding – a story of resilience, redemption and reconciliation.
Through the efforts of the Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (FPFK) and its Peace Resilience Programme, the cycle of conflict is being broken.
Former raiders have traded weapons for scissors and shavers, while widows are rebuilding lives through small businesses and forgiveness.
From fear to forgiveness
In Tambul village, Tinderet subcounty, once dubbed the “den of cattle thieves,” signs of change are unmistakable.
Chief William Koskei remembers the chaos all too well.
“Back in 2012, stolen herds of over 20 cattle would be driven from Muhoroni through this village,” he said in an interview.
“I started warning the youth that their hard labour only earned them Sh6,000 – a meagre reward for risking everything.”
Koskei's warnings put his life at risk; he refrained from eating at funerals, wary of poisoning and chose not to use his government-issued motorbike to avoid being an easy target.
At times, he even slept away from home. But his bold approach, coupled with FPFK’s support, yielded results.
With the help of local women who provided intelligence – sometimes in exchange for Sh500 to Sh1,000 – stolen cattle were recovered.
“There’s no Luo thief or Kalenjin thief,” Koskei said. “A thief is simply a thief.”
Today, 35 young men and elders have abandoned their lives of crime.
Redemption and second chances
Among the reformed is Zakayo Tuwei, once branded the area’s most feared cattle rustler. Between 2013 and 2018, he served time in prison after years of orchestrating raids. He was arrested alongside his elder brother.
“I turned to cattle theft out of poverty and a lack of education,” the 38-year-old admitted. “But when I came home and found my father buried, I knew I had to change. After six months in prison, my elder brother also died.”
Thanks to FPFK’s guidance, Tuwei now owns a small barbershop in Tambul.
“No more running. No more fear,” he said, reflecting on the paltry Sh6,000 he once earned per raid, money he wasted on alcohol.
The violence also tore families apart.
Lilian Chepkoech, whose brother was killed while stealing cattle, now cares for his orphaned children.
Once an illicit alcohol brewer, she is now a trained hairdresser.
“I wanted a better path,” she said. “FPFK gave me that chance.”
Josephine Cherotich knows the pain too well. Her husband died during a 2019 raid in Muhoroni, leaving her with three children.
She initially worked on sugarcane plantations for survival but now dreams of expanding her salon business.
“I want my children to grow up free from fear,” she said.
Women leading peace
Recognising the immense burden conflicts place on women and children, a cross-county women’s group called Amani Champions has emerged.
This group of 24 women from Kisumu and Kericho counties is championing peace, forgiveness and healing.
“We’ve withdrawn cases and chosen peace,” said Linet Okumu, a member from Koguta. “Enough blood has been shed.”
Building a future on hope
Victor Rotich, FPFK’s Peace Resilience field officer, believes that sustainable peace lies in dismantling the structures that perpetuate conflict.
“The church saw the need to use this platform to foster cohesion among communities affected by conflict,” Rotich explained.
“One of our primary goals has been to address the triggers of conflict, especially cattle theft along the borders of Kericho, Nandi and Kisumu counties.”
The project, in collaboration with community members, volunteers and key stakeholders, successfully identified and engaged youths previously involved in cattle rustling.
“In Chemase, Nandi county, we’ve supported the reform of about 23 young men. We realised that rehabilitating these individuals can inspire others to abandon crime, ultimately reducing conflict across the region,” he said.
The initiative also focuses on supporting women affected by the violence.
During the early stages of the project, they identified women who had lost their husbands during cattle raids.
“We’ve since created livelihood opportunities for them, such as training in salon services. So far, six women have completed training and are now supporting themselves through these new skills.”
The programme also facilitated apprenticeship opportunities for the reformed youths.
“We partnered with local barbershops to provide hands-on training. These young men are now earning a living, building resilience and contributing positively to their communities,” Rotich said.
FPFK has also worked closely with the local administration, including the deputy county commissioner and the security committee, to ensure that reformed youths do not relapse into crime.
“We provide them with professional counselling and consistent follow-ups to help keep them on the right track.”
Looking ahead, Rotich said the success in Chemase has paved the way for expansion.
“We’re now extending the programme to other areas, including Nyakach, Muhoroni and parts of Soin/Sigowet. We’re grateful to our partners, the Norwegian Pentecostal Mission and the wider FPFK church network, for their unwavering support in making this initiative a success.”
Malachi Okumu, assistant field programme officer, said their approach is centred on identifying both victims and perpetrators and equipping them with tools to rebuild.
“Cattle theft is the root of much violence,” he said, adding, “But if we offer alternatives, entire communities begin to thrive, not just survive.”
A New Dawn
The landscape of the border region is changing.
The clanging of weapons has been replaced by the snip of scissors and the hum of sewing machines. The air no longer smells of fear, but of hope.
In Kericho, Nandi and Kisumu, communities are learning to heal.
Where conflict once defined them, peace is now shaping their future – not just as an idea, but as a way of life.
