Leaders from Nakuru and Narok counties hold peace forum

Leaders from Nakuru and Narok counties have intensified peace and security efforts at the volatile border between the two counties where perennial clashes have led to deaths and displacements.

During a meeting at Likia – an area that has borne the brunt of ethnic clashes – leaders including Narok Governor Samuel Tunai and Nakuru County Commissioner Erastus Mbui called for harmony among members of different ethnic communities.

The meeting comes three weeks after seven people, including four children, were killed in another spate of attacks in the area.

“There is a reason why we are here for some time now, we have lost lives,” Tunai said, citing the area around Likia and Longman as the worst hit.

He mentioned livestock theft, conflicts over grazing fields and water as some of the factors that contribute to clashes.  

“As leaders from the two counties, time has come to say enough is enough,” Tunai said.

“We’re not going to allow our people to continue to die. Life is sacred and nobody is allowed to take the life of another human being,” he said.

Tunai said Narok is a cosmopolitan county where members of several communities including the Maasai, Kikuyu, Kalenjin and the Abagusii live in harmony.

“So why is a small border giving us challenges? We are not going to allow that. We are not going to allow a few criminals to take away peace that is being enjoyed by citizens,” he added. 

Hate speech

He said a joint security committee from the two counties had agreed to flush out the criminals from their hideouts.

Mbui urged leaders to tame their utterances saying inciting statements and hate speech will not be condoned. 

“Before you utter anything, ask yourself if it is going to bring unity or division,” he said.

Narok North MP Moitalel ole Kenta said the culprits should be treated as criminals saying a whole community should not be condemned because of actions of a few people. 

“Let us also help the government identify the criminals in our midst,” he said.

Nakuru Deputy Governor Erick Korir regretted that despite numerous peace meetings, people continue losing lives in the area because of ethnic conflicts. 

“I can’t count the number of times have been called at night because of the bad security situation in this area.

It is so unfortunate and the security teams must up their game and bring these killings to an end,” said Korir.