The government will set up peace schools in all regions that have been hindered by cattle rustling in North Rift region. Deputy President William Ruto disclosed during an official visit to West Pokot County on Friday. Speaking when he officially laid a foundation stone for Katikomor peace school, DP Ruto said the schools will help to integrate communities that have been conflicting in the region for many decades. “It’s only through education that we’ll be able to end cattle rustling. We need to allow our children to integrate, forget the past and focus on development,” he said, adding that the schools will help change the minds of people and foster development.
He said the schools will be set up along Pokot-Turkana, Pokot-Marakwet, Turkana-Baringo, and Baringo-Samburu borders among other regions. He lauded the County government for setting aside Kshs. 20 million to construct the school, saying the government will add Kshs. 20 million more to ensure the school has enough structures to accommodate pupils from the region. Concerning security issues, DP Ruto directed Trans Nzoia County Commissioner to ensure that land disputes at Chepchoina settlement scheme along the border are solved immediately. He urged the Commissioner to ensure rightful beneficiaries get what they deserve.
He further asked government officers to distance themselves from fueling conflicts in the region, “Government officers are required to keep peace and not to insult residents leading to conflict. They aren’t allowed to oppress others because of the position they hold,” he said. The DP also urged politicians to put aside their political differences and focus on serving Kenyans, citing that Jubilee has set aside their differences and are ready to work with all leaders.
The Deputy President was accompanied by area leaders, West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo, MPs David Pkossing ( Pokot South), Mark Lomunokol (Kacheliba), Samuel Moroto (Kapenguria) West Pokot Woman Representative Lilian Tomitom and a delegation from Uganda led by Bukwo MP Ruben Chelimo. Governor Lonyangapuo said his administration has decided to invest in education to help address many challenges facing the County. “It’s only through education that we can be able to transform the County to another level,” he said.
