The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has lauded the prevailing peaceful coexistence between communities living along Kisumu-Kericho border.
NCIC Commissioner Eng Phillip Okundi said following years of tension and skirmishes which resulted in loss of lives, the communities and leaders have agreed to put to an end their differences and live together in harmony.
This, he said was the outcome of various interventions including dialogue spearheaded by NCIC and other peace actors in the area.
NCIC, he added brokered a peace pact between Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o and his Kericho counterpart Eric Mutai which has seen normalcy restored at Sondu town and Koguta which have borne the brunt of the conflict.
“We managed to bring the two leaders together at a neutral ground and thrashed out the issues. I am happy to report that we have managed to resolve the differences,” he said.
Eng Okundi said the deal was set to unlock development along the common border which has witnessed disruptions year in year out.
Sondu market, which is shared between the two counties he said will get back to life urging the locals to take advantage of the prevailing peace to focus on development.
Speaking in Kisumu during a media briefing on the UN day of peace preparations, Eng Okundi said the NCIC will continue to strengthen peace initiatives in the area to ensure that the gains made are not eroded.
UN day of peace is commemorated on September 21 worldwide and is dedicated to celebrating peace and absence of war.
In Nyanza region, the celebrations will be held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex and in Migori County.
Eng Okundi said owing to the success story in Kisumu and Kericho, NCIC will host the national celebrations in Kisumu next year.
He urged members of the public to turn up in large numbers and attend the celebration to ensure that the peace message is entrenched.
Kisumu County Chief of Staff Daniel Opiyo said the county government will continue to partner with NCIC to ensure that peace prevails in the area.
“The benefits of the peace we are enjoying in Kisumu cannot be underestimated. It has created a conducive environment for development,” he said.
By Chris Mahandara and Rhoda Chelsea
