Leaders from pastoral areas from Pokot, Karamongong and Turkana communities have embarked on implementing peace resolutions to end hostilities in the area.
The resolutions which were arrived at during a peace meeting last week in Kampala, Uganda will help promote peaceful co-existence among the warring communities.
The Kenyan leaders led West Pokot Governor Prof. John Lonyangapuo and his Turkana Counterpart Josephat who are currently on peace caravan at Turkwel Corridor along the West Pokot and Turkana counties border said that they are engrossed in peace building to resolve differences and embark on activities that will benefit both sides.
They said their aim is to sensitizing residents on the need to share the little pasture and water instead of fighting for it, disarming all civilians holding illegal guns, undertaking joint cross border surveillance and sharing of information between Kenyan and Ugandan security forces and also coordinating the recovery of stolen animals.
The leaders agreed to initiate key development projects such as roads, schools, hospitals, water dams and other infrastructure that would better the lives of pastoralists hence conflicts will be a thing of the past.
They said the move will help the communities graze their livestock peacefully across the common border.
Governor Lonyangapuo said the resolutions will help cement the already established relations between the two countries so as to strengthen collaboration and cooperation in the spirit of East Africa.
He said the leaders resolved to put in place concrete measures that will deter incidents of conflicts and cattle rustling.
“For many decades, hundreds of lives have been lost and thousands of animals stolen in clashes pitting the Karamojong, Turkana and Pokot communities. We agreed to be honest with each other in pursuit of sustainable peace in our region, ”said Lonyangapuo.
Governor Lonyang’apuo reiterated the need for the two countries to collaborate to see how water and pastures can be given to the pastoralists along the common borders.
“This is the beginning of ending conflict. As leaders we shall show goodwill and the people will stop fighting. There are many challenges that our people face in this region, but let’s remain focused towards achieving peace.” said Lonyangapuo.
Mr. Nanok said they aim at ending tension caused by cases of cattle rustling between the Karamoja, Turkana and Pokot communities and improve relations.
“Border conflicts have been an issue for long but we can overcome. As pastoralists in Kenya and Uganda we shall keep engaging with each other regularly at all levels. Poor infrastructure has been our major problem but let us also pump a lot of resources in developing our people, ” said Nanok.
Turkana south MP James Lomenen who borders Uganda said leaders should speak with one voice consult each other and work together to erase hostilities.
“Let’s avoid negative utterances un consulted projects, we have agreed pastoralists will share pasture and water .” he said.