Baringo Deputy Governor, Jacob Chepkwony, has called on media houses across the North Rift Region, to use their platforms to promote peaceful coexistence amongst communities.
He said that there is a need for media houses to play a crucial role in cultivating good morals on members of the community, because their medium is a powerful communication tool widely trusted by the masses.
“I am urging the media houses to create some programs in their respective stations that promote peace since it will turn things around for the betterment of our region,” said Chepkwony who was the chief guest during launch of a religious station called ‘Imani Radio’ at Pemwai in Baringo North Sub-county.
Chepkwony pointed out that the region for decades has been faced with perennial insecurity challenges due to retrogressive practices, which has hampered any meaningful development from taking place.
The Deputy Governor observed that in Baringo there are areas where residents have not embraced churches and schools, therefore, use of media can supplement that for them to be educated as well as be informed.
“I believe that when the clergy are invited on a regular basis to speak on the television and radio, residents in insecurity prone areas, will live in peace and the vice will be a thing of the past,” he said.
Chepkwony lauded the management led by their Chief Executive Officer, Rev Ptallah Butaki, for initiating a fourth radio station in the County, stating that the new facility will also create employment for the youth from the County.
He promised that the County Administration will partner with the new station alongside other media houses, to ensure that their mandate is realised.
Chepkwony urged the residents to embrace the radio station by associating with it so that it can serve them best.
Butaki in his remarks said the new station will be an important tool in reconciling the warring communities of Tugen, Pokot, Marakwet, Ilchamus and Turkana and encourage them to live in harmony.
The launch of the radio and television ministries was graced by Scott Beigle and Rev John Capellen from the United States of America, who are also partners to the radio station, which is now broadcasting in Kalenjin, Kiswahili and English on 90.7 frequency.
By Benson Kelio and Joshua Kibet
