Leaders from Narok and Kisii counties have led a peace meeting at Kiango area at the border of Kisii and Narok counties, aimed at ending renewed conflicts experienced in the area.
This is after one person was killed and ten others left nursing arrow shots suffered in a one-week’s clashes between two warring communities who were fighting over the theft of one cow.
Led by governors Patrick Ntutu (Narok) and Simba Arati (Kisii), and county commissioners Kipkech Lotiatia (Narok) and Joseph Langat (Kisii), the residents resolved to bury their differences and embrace a peaceful co-existence.
The two governors who led a long day meeting in the area wondered how one cow could have caused such a great tension that has led to loss of a life, people injured, businesses and schools shut down in the area.
Ntutu directed chiefs and village elders to use the traditional way of following up livestock that is stolen until it is recovered.
After recovery, he directed that the thief should be submitted in the full force of the law and act as an example to others with such ill intention.
“From today, when a cow is stolen, the chiefs should follow up with the elders until they get the cow. If they get it in a certain homestead, they should leave the traditional punishment, but prosecute the thief in court of law,” he said.
Ntutu asked residents who had leased land for farming in the area to continue with their farming practices and directed children to go back to school as peace had been restored in the area.
“War is not good in Kenya, we should continue living in peace the way we used to live. I have so many people I have employed in the county government from Kisii and we have many Maasai’s employed in Kisii County,” he reiterated.
His sentiments were echoed by Kisii governor who challenged the people to use their minds to make more money instead of engaging in war which is destructive and retrogressive.
Arati challenged the security team led by the County commissioners to follow up and identify any thief in the midst of the people so that he can be punished accordingly.
He reminded those battling that there were no free things and that everybody had to work hard to earn a living.
“The greatest land is your mind. That is why we take our children to school. We do not want anyone to die because of war,” said Arati, reiterating that peace starts with an individual person.
“Shame on us for fighting over cows, yet we can do productive jobs that can bring us a lot of income. Anyone found stealing should be subjected to a stern punishment,” he continued.
The two county commissioners assured the residents of increased security patrol in the area and asked every person to return to their normal businesses.
The contentious land is rich in agriculture as sugarcane, maize, potatoes and vegetables do well in the area.
By Ann Salaton
