The National Heroes’ Council will construct a centre in Elgeyo Marakwet which will use sports to promote peace in honour of fallen athlete Kelvin Kiptum.
A member, Hussein Kadida, said the council aimed at having a structure where the youth could meet and engage positively saying it was not enough to disarm people physically but more importantly, there was need to disarm their minds.
Speaking in Iten when the Council paid homage to the late Kiptum, Kadida said owing to the fact that people from different backgrounds come to Iten to train, this could be used to bring peace by having a facility where sporting activities could be accompanied by peace building activities.
He however said the establishment of the centre should not be left to the Council alone but should be supported by other interested actors to ensure it is a success.
The Council CEO Charles Wambia said his organization would sign a memorandum of understanding with the county on areas where they could work together as per their mandate in promoting the county.
He presented the late Kiptum’s widow Asenath Rotich with a certificate and medal from the Head of State.
Area Governor Wisley Rotich thanked the Council for recognizing and honouring peace builders within the county saying this has given them more energy to promote peace.
He called on the National Treasury to increase funding to the Council to enable them go round the country and honour people who contributed positively to the society saying this would help in inspiring the youth.
“We should have other Kenyans from different communities who have excelled in various sectors like sports, business, agriculture being honored to inspire our young people,” he said.
By Alice Wanjiru and Joy Jeelagat
