USAID and Act Change Transform (ACT) implementing partners on Thursday engaged communities along the Nandi-Kisumu border in a bid to promote a peaceful coexistence as the world marked International Peace Day.
The two groups namely; Underit Youth Group (UYG) which is based in Nandi County and Rural Women Peace Link (RWPL) from Uasin Gishu County held a 15-kilometre peace walk from Nandi to Kisumu border where the main event took place with their theme being ‘Amani Idumu kwa Ground.’
Jacob Sanga who is UYG coordinator while addressing Nandi and Kisumu Counties residents who turned up for the International Peace Day event held at Kopere centre noted that peace is a key component of development for communities especially those residing at the borders.
Sanga noted that for communities to live in harmony they should learn to tolerate, love, respect as well as appreciate each other regardless of the tribe or the community they come from.
“We are here today jointly as partners of ACT Kenya to champion for peaceful coexistence at the Kisumu -Nandi borders where we have been witnessing violence especially after elections as we join the world to mark International Peace Day. Communities at the border line should avoid calling each other names,” said the project coordinator, adding that UYG had formed peace clubs at the border line day secondary schools as a way to instill the culture of peace to students who can easily extend the knowledge to their communities.
The coordinator observed that sporting activities bring together players from different communities to compete and share and are among the best ways of preaching peace and unity among the border communities.
Gladys Achieng a football player from Kisumu County and resident at the border lauded the groups’ initiative adding that women and children are the most affected in case of violence.
Achieng noted that when there is peace the communities at the border benefit from the two Counties saying that violence has no benefit at all.
She called upon residents to be at the forefront in championing for peace and to consider each other as brothers, neighbours and friends.
“Were it not for peace today we could not have participated in the match with our fellow ladies from Nandi County. I want to thank the ACT implementing partners for this initiative and wish that they have more forums of the same to enable each one to understand the importance of peace,” pointed Achieng.
Evans Otieno, a player of the football men category for the Kisumu team noted that youths should avoid being idle by taking part in football, dancing and acting groups as a way to avoid engaging in activities that can lead to conflict and violence.
“When we come together to participate in sporting activities we realize that peace should prevail at all times. Let us say no to anyone who comes to destroy our peace at the borders because at the end of it all we lose our loved ones, property is destroyed and our relationship with our neighbours is ruined,” he explained.
During the event, the women’s football team won the match by scoring 1-0 against their Nandi counterparts whereas in the men’s category, Nandi took the cup after scoring one goal against their Kisumu competitors who scored zero.
During the event, the national government was represented by Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs from the two Counties.
By Ruth Mainye
