Three-day 'Sports for Peace' event in Baringo concludes with calls for unity
By Mary Wambui |
These activities provided an avenue for youth to enhance their skills in sports while also engaging in dialogue about their roles in promoting peace and building stronger social bonds.
A three-day sports and dance extravaganza, dubbed Sports for Peace: Baringo Chapter, concluded on Sunday with calls for peace and unity among residents of the six counties affected by banditry and cattle rustling.
The counties involved were Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Laikipia, Isiolo, and parts of Meru. The event brought together youths from these regions to interact with each other as well as with police and military officers deployed under Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) to address violence in the area.
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The highlight of the event was the football tournament, where Ribkwo Football Club from Chemolingot triumphed over Komolion FC from Loruk with a 2-1 victory. Meanwhile, the half-marathon winner, Moses Chesang from Loruk, completed the race in an impressive time of 1:09:35.
In addition to the sporting activities, cultural displays such as dances and folklore were featured, aligning with the operation's strategy of using soft approaches to foster cohesion and integration for peaceful coexistence among communities.
These activities provided an avenue for youth to enhance their skills in sports while also engaging in dialogue about their roles in promoting peace and building stronger social bonds.
Brigadier Stephen Huria, Commander of Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU), praised the organisers and participants for their commitment to peace.
“We are all peace ambassadors, and it is only by working together that we will succeed in this quest,” he said.
The event, held at Chemolingot Grounds, was organised by the Multi-Agency Security Team in collaboration with peace ambassadors and non-governmental organisations.
As part of ongoing peace efforts, the military has rehabilitated 26 schools in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Laikipia, Samburu, West Pokot, and Turkana counties, significantly aiding learning in these regions.
According to the Annual State of National Security Report presented to Parliament by President William Ruto, these interventions have resulted in a substantial decrease in cattle rustling cases in areas previously gazetted as "Disturbed" and "Dangerous."
Between September 2022 and August 2023, 63,054 heads of cattle were reported stolen in these counties. However, between September 2023 and August 2024, this number dropped to 23,668, a reduction of 39,386 cattle. Additionally, 10,173 livestock were recovered during this period.
The report also noted that 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders, were arrested and processed through legal channels.
To sustain these successes, Operation Maliza Uhalifu will continue implementing infrastructural development projects, including constructing access roads, rehabilitating schools, introducing livestock branding for better traceability, and monitoring livestock markets to deter banditry.
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