Leaders and residents of West Pokot County ushered the New Year 2020 at Chelang’a Gardens in Makutano Township, with messages of peace and unity.
Jubilation rent the air as thousands of the residents cheered on, amid spectacular display of fireworks immediately the clock struck midnight to crown the New Year, as leaders led by area Governor, Prof. John Lonyangapuo joined the fray.
The clergy from various denominations led the celebrations as they prayed for peace and unity in the county and the entire nation.
Speaking during the celebrations on Tuesday, Lonyangapuo observed that the county had a lot of challenges in 2019 ranging from drought, floods and landslides, but he was optimistic that 2020 will be bring good fortunes for the region.
However, the governor said despite the many challenges, the county maintained peace and unity with its neighbours, saying only a few cases of law breaking were reported during the period.
“We experienced flash floods and landslides in three areas in our county, but we celebrate peace along our borders, which has resulted to development. I urge everybody to focus on development and income generating activities,” he said.
Lonyangapuo urged leaders in the county to unite in 2020 and avoid politics of division, which may result to conflict among residents.
The area County Commissioner (CC), Apollo Okello commended members of the Pokot, Marakwet and Turkana communities for abandoning banditry and keeping peace along their borders.
Okello called on the local leaders to do away with politics of hatred and focus on unity in order to spur development projects across the county.
“We should pray for our leaders to focus on uniting people instead of dividing them. They should avoid hatred politics and love each other,” he said.
The County Senator Samuel Poghisio, Speaker Catherine Mukenyang and other leaders were also in attendance.
By John Saina
