Collective call for peace as Northern Kenya residents mark World Peace Day

A call for peaceful coexistence and strengthening the ideals for peace dominated speeches of religious and political leaders in the counties of Northern Kenya as residents and leaders gathered on Saturday to mark the International Day of Peace.

Themed 'Cultivating Culture of Peace' the event was marked with a peaceful procession and cultural dances in the counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River and Marsabit among others.

In Garissa County, Madogashe Municipality hosted the event that attracted officials from religious, and non-governmental organisations, as well as national and county government officials who all joined the locals.

Religious leaders from the Garissa SUPKEM branch and youth and women representatives emphasised the importance of peaceful coexistence between the communities of Garissa and the neighbouring Isiolo county.

Ahmed Muktar Shidiye, the Garissa County Chief Officer for Peace and Cohesion who delivered the speech from Garissa Governor Nathif Jama said peaceful coexistence among the neighbouring communities was essential and urged peace committees to strengthen their commitment towards conflict resolution.

Ahmed Muktar Shidiye, the Garissa County Chief Officer for Peace and Cohesion speaks during an event to mark the International Day of Peace in Garissa County on September 21, 2024. (Photo: Garissa County Government)

Ahmed announced that Garissa County supported by Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) has developed a peace-building and management policy that has already gone through the technical and cabinet sensitisation process.

"The bill that is currently at the assembly for further legislation will strengthen and enhance issues of peace mediation and conflict resolution in the county," he said.

In Wajir County, the Wajir South Member of Parliament Mohamed Adow hosted the commemoration of the event at Diif sub-county headquarters.

The event gathered religious and political leaders, security officials, peace committees, elders, youth and women representatives who all advocated for peaceful coexistence.

The MP said peace was the foundation of development and urged the community to cooperate with security agencies and peace committees to strengthen the pillars of peace.

Residents of Tana River county marked the day with a peaceful procession, traditional dances and songs during the event held at Shirikisho village, Kipini West Ward in Garsen Constituency.

Songs and dances were performed to mark the International Day of Peace in Tana River County. (Photo: Tana River County Government)

Representatives from the county, national governments and development partners called for peace and harmony among the diverse communities living in Tana River.

Acting County Secretary Mwanajuma Hiribae represented the Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana.

She emphasised on the need to embrace peace despite tribal and community conflicts over scarce resources.

Hiribae called for calm following tension in the Tana North sub-county where three people were recently killed by unknown assailants.

"We must remind ourselves that peace is the foundation upon which our communities stand. For over 10 years, Tana River has enjoyed relative peace and we cannot slide back into the dark days of tribal clashes and senseless violence," she stated.

Tana River County marked the global peace day amid existing tension with neighbouring Kitui County over a boundary dispute. The conflict is between herders from the county and farmers in neighbouring Kitui County.

In Marsabit County, Governor Mohamud Ali led the residents to mark the day in Turbi town of North Horr sub-county.

Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali joins dancers to mark the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2024. (Photo: Marsabit County Press)

The governor reflected on Marsabit County's past struggles with ethnic tension and violence and the progress made to restore peaceful coexistence.

He envisioned a county where peace is a way of life and urged community leaders to remain committed towards sustaining peaceful coexistence.

Naomi Wako, the Marsabit Woman Representative, reminded the residents of the collective responsibility to maintain peace.

Naomi Wako, the Marsabit Woman Representative joins dancers to mark International Day of Peace on September 21, 2024. (Photo: Marsabit County Press)

"Conflict is not solely the fault of leaders, we all have a part to play," she said.

She encouraged the community to hold politicians accountable and resist attempts to divide them along ethnic lines.

North Horr MP Wario Guyo and his Laisamis counterpart Joseph Lekuton also voiced the importance of strengthening peaceful coexistence.

Religious leaders, community elders and youth representatives collectively appealed to the political leaders to promote peace and unity.

In Mandera town, the global event was marked with a procession, songs and dances. Leaders and community representatives advocated for peace and harmony.

A procession to mark the International Day of Peace in Mandera town. (Photo: Issa Hussein)