Two MPs lead Pokot-Turkana peace talks to end conflict

The Ministry of Interior said in a statement on Wednesday that the leaders were presiding over the annual ritual that started two years ago to restore calm in the war-torn North Rift region.

The meeting was held near the West Pokot-Turkana border to address the escalating tensions between the two communities that could potentially jeopardize years of peaceful coexistence.

"The meeting marked an important milestone in cementing the relative calm that has been witnessed in the past two years and celebrating the gains achieved following the initiative of the two legislators," read part of the statement.

Both MPs emphasized the urgent and concerted efforts need to stop violence and promote peace in the region.

MP Akujah reflected on the historical conflicts and underscored the benefits of unity for development and societal well-being while  Lotee called for collaboration and the promotion of peace initiatives to attract investments in the area.

“The two of us (MPs) are here to show that we are united in fighting cattle fights,” he said to applause.

Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo lauded the two leaders for initiating and sustaining structured dialogue between the two communities.

“What Hon Akujah and Hon Lotee have done is quite commendable. I am happy they implemented what we agreed upon last year as part of our strategy aimed at sustainable peace in the area,” he said.

This lies on the backdrop of calls for peace in the region to finding a lasting solution to the cattle rustling and banditry menace. 

Activities including learning and conducting business were paralysed after most parts of the region remained volatile.

Kenya's security organs, led by the Kenya Police, were deployed in all the hotspots in 2023 and helped quell the tensions.