A section of leaders from Baringo have praised the national government for its intervention in bringing lasting peace in the vast county.
Led by Baringo South Member of Parliament (MP) Charles Kamuren, the leaders said that the residents living in the insecurity prone areas are now carrying on with their normal activities without any major challenges.
Kamuren spoke at the 10th edition of the Baringo Cultural Festival and the Kimalel goat auction on Tuesday, that was presided over by President William Ruto which raised Sh 64.5 million from the sale of 4,300 goats.
The legislator stated that the region had not known peace for more than 20 years after thousands of residents were displaced, others losing their properties and loved ones to armed criminals.
“We are very happy that peace has returned and communities are now embracing unity of purpose,” he said.
Kamuren stated that the government through the Kenya Defence Forces has already completed reconstruction of nine schools that were vandalized by bandits while the four remaining schools are nearing completion.
His sentiments were supported by Baringo woman representative Florence Jematia who requested the government to sort a few issues affecting internally displaced persons from Arabal and Mukutani who are still challenged in returning to their ancestral land.
“I know we shall get a solution because we cannot solve insecurity challenge without addressing issues of boundaries and all those that the authorities claim have encroached the forests,” she said.
Jematia commended local leaders for their crucial role in uniting the people and advocating for peaceful coexistence amongst warring Pokot, Tugen and Illchamus communities.
Governor Benjamin Cheboi in his remarks called upon the government to fast track the use of Lake Baringo waters for irrigation in order to provide an alternative to communities to practice extensive agriculture which will in turn improve the livelihoods of residents.
He stated that the water body has a capacity to irrigate over 50,000 acres of land in Baringo North, South and Tiaty region thus promoting employment of 1,000 residents.
By Benson Kelio and Christopher Kiprop
