The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) is leading talks to retain peace in the Kericho-Kisumu border.
Last week, NCCK organized two meetings, one at Onyuongo and the other at Sigowet Soin. At the Onyongo forum, religious leaders, Nyumba Kumi leaders, village elders, cross-border peace committee members, community members, Anti Stock Theft Unit personnel, and National Government Administration Officials (led by the Deputy County Commissioner) jointly assessed the root causes of the cross-border conflict.
According to NCCK, theft of cattle and incitement by politicians were found to be the key drivers of the crisis at the border of the two counties.
Another meeting was held at Soin-Sigowet, where they identified contentions on where the boundary between Kisumu and Kericho counties lies, with both counties claiming Sondu Town and other areas. Persistent spreading of propaganda and false narratives was also fingered as causes of the conflict at the border town.
At an inter-ethnic peace forum at Thessalia in Muhuroni, the two communities listened to each other’s grievances, and resolved to jointly and separately promote peaceful coexistence.
Key activities agreed upon included speedy recovery of stolen cattle, community campaigns for peace and cohesion, and inter-ethnic exchange activities.
The NCCK also reached out to the actors in the transport sector by holding a forum with representatives of boda boda riders groups and matatu saccos from both communities.
“On their part, the youth agreed to preach peaceful coexistence and to avoid revenge attacks. It was notable that despite initial tensions, the meeting ended with the members of the two communities laughing together and holding hands as a sign of unity,” NCCK said.
Tension was witnessed at the border in July, where two communities clashed. Two people were then reported dead and 15 others were injured.
