North Rift MPs lead peace talks to resolve longstanding cattle rustling conflicts

Two Members of Parliament from the banditry and cattle rustling-prone North Rift region have initiated a series of peace talks to foster peaceful coexistence between communities along the West Pokot-Turkana border.

Protus Akujah (Loima) and Titus Lotee (Kacheliba) are leading these efforts, which have become an annual ritual over the past two years. Previously, the Pokot and Turkana communities had been embroiled in violent conflicts over resources.

These peace initiatives by the two MPs are seen as a refreshing departure from the norm, where politicians in the region have often been blamed for fueling violence, as highlighted in multiple security reports, including a recent one by the National Assembly’s Committee on National Security and Administration. This report identified certain politicians as a weak link in the fight against banditry and cattle rustling.

Last Saturday’s meeting at Naoyapong in Kacheliba brought together residents from both Kacheliba and Loima in Turkana. This was the second such meeting, following the inaugural session last year, initiated by the two MPs who have shown a strong commitment to addressing cattle rustling.

Residents say the meeting aimed to address escalating tensions between the two communities, which threaten to undermine the fragile peace that has been achieved.

Both MPs noted the need for urgent and coordinated efforts to halt the violence and promote peace. The meeting was attended by a diverse group of leaders, including government administrators, security officials, local MCAs, religious leaders, kraal heads, and representatives from peace organisations.

Ongoing peace talks spearheaded by MPs Protus Akujah (Loima) and Titus Lotee (Kacheliba) along the West-Pokot Turkana border. (Handout)

Akujah reflected on the historical context of past conflicts and highlighted the benefits of unity for development and societal well-being. He also called for accountability for those who perpetuate illegal activities.

Lotee echoed these sentiments, urging collaboration and the promotion of peace initiatives to attract investment to the area. "The two of us (MPs) are here to show that we are united in fighting cattle rustling," he said.

The meeting produced resolutions aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among the communities. These resolutions include strategies for compensating for the loss of lives and animals, recovering stolen animals, arresting suspects, resolving border disputes, addressing concerns about gold mining at Naut, and regulating animal markets.

Although many past peace efforts have failed to produce lasting results, the renewed initiatives, combined with the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, may provide the momentum needed for lasting change.

"What Akujah and Lotee have done is commendable. I am pleased they implemented what we agreed upon last year as part of our strategy for sustainable peace in the area," said Interior PS Raymond Omollo.

"I know there are many such peace and conflict resolution initiatives in other parts of the country. I urge all leaders to play an active role in bringing our people together. My office fully supports these efforts," he added.

An update from the Ministry of Interior described the meeting as a significant milestone in consolidating the relative calm that has been observed over the past two years, celebrating the progress made through the legislators' initiative.

Community leaders and security officials have consistently emphasised the importance of dialogue and collaboration in resolving conflicts and fostering unity.

Last year, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki held a series of meetings with leaders from the volatile region, aiming to find a lasting solution to the cattle rustling and banditry crisis.

"Children cannot go to school, and people cannot go about their daily business because guns in most North Rift areas remain active. We have to stop this menace," he said in one of the meetings at his Harambee House office.

Similar efforts have been led by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and by troops deployed in the region, as dialogue is seen as a crucial component in achieving sustainable peace.