The Turkana county governor, Josphat Nanok on Saturday led political and religious leaders as well as security agencies from Turkana South, Turkana East and Loima sub counties in a meeting at Kainuk to deliberate on peace in the region.
Representatives from Suguta valley also attended the meeting held at Full gospel church, Kainuk. Among other leaders present were Deputy Governor, Peter Lotethiro, the County Assembly Speaker, Erastus Lokaale and Members of Parliament from the three constituencies.
In a joint communiqué released after the meeting, the leaders and communities fully committed themselves to peaceful coexistence as neighbours to allow unhindered access to livelihoods along the Turkana Baring border.
They also added that relevant authorities would collect all illegal arms in the hands of civilians going forward and also address border contestation in both Turkwel River and Suguta Valley/Lake Baringo Corridors.
The leaders further resolved to hold joint annual peace celebrations to be conducted at Lotongot between Turkana and West Pokot communities supported by the County administration, national government and other partners.
They also emphasized on the need to apprehend all criminals hindering peace in the region and also render unwavering support to joint peace committees in the area.
At the same time, the leaders underscored the need to implement sharable infrastructure including roads, water, dispensaries and schools to stabilize settlements and peaceful coexistence in the region, citing Lokwamosing-Lochakula road as a priority.
The forum also called for establishment of inter-communal and counties peace efforts along the border in addition to promoting shared grazing and settlement of communities in the region.
By Peter Gitonga
