Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi has called on residents to end the scourge of cattle rustling and embrace the legacy of peace that the second president, Daniel Arap Moi, fought so hard to build.
Cheboi made the call when he launched the renovated Kabarnet Nyayo Monument, where he pointed out that the communities in the area have been torn apart following senseless acts of cattle rustling and banditry, which have left behind a trail of devastation and despair.
The county boss said that it is time to break the cycle of conflict and forge a new path on the foundation of peace and mutual respect.
“It is very disheartening that as we speak today, so many people in our county are not living in their homes, especially those coming from Saimo, Soi, and Bartabwa wards who have been displaced and are living in camps where they are surviving on assistance from both levels of government and well-wishers,” he said.
Accompanied by his deputy, Eng. Felix Kimaiyo, Cheboi stated that he is willing to lead by example in preaching peace and has already held a series of meetings with leaders from the three warring communities of Tugen, Ilchamus, and Pokot, as well as county staff from the affected areas, to encourage them to spread the word.
The governor noted that Mzee Moi, who hails from the county, will be remembered for his philosophy of peace, love, and unity, which, he added, if residents uphold, the challenge of insecurity in the Kerio Valley belt will be a thing of the past.
“Since Moi passed on, we seemed to have forgotten his values, but we are praying to God to give us the strength to live harmoniously as brothers and sisters,” said Cheboi.
He challenged the few criminals to quit the backward culture of stealing livestock and killing people and, instead, venture into other productive activities, which will in turn progress their lives.
The deputy governor said the late President Moi left an indelible mark which the residents and local leaders need to cherish and hold dearly in their hearts.
He added that the county administration is at an advanced stage of honouring such leaders through roads, street naming, and the establishment of more monuments in major towns for residents to recognise and emulate their deeds.
The monument, which has been in existence for about three decades, had been neglected and left dilapidated, prompting the county government to chip in to renovate it in collaboration with the Kenya National Highways Authority and the National Museums of Kenya.
By Benson Kelio and Christopher Kiprop
