West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo has urged the Pokot and Marakwet communities to commit to peace by returning stolen livestock in case of an attack to help sustain the relative peace witnessed in the region for development to be realized.
The County boss reiterated that peace has been restored and there is calm along the border of the two Counties. He reaffirmed to area leaders his commitment to ensuring lasting peace along border of the two Counties.
Lonyangapuo said the leaders agreed to join hands to end cattle rustling-related attacks and wanton killings.
He said that they have made resolutions from a series of peace meetings between Marakwet and Pokot leaders that include the return of stolen livestock and the identification of suspects involved in killings on both sides.
Speaking at Kamelei Primary school during a funds drive to help the school, Governor Lonyangapuo called on elders in the area to help maintain peace and called on individuals who have been distorting peace to repent and preach peace. “We need elders to ensure that peace prevails in the area. Reform and get saved,” he said.
He said that he and his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Alex Tolgos have employed new strategies to end insecurity in the area. He cited troubled areas like Tona, Kamelei, Kamlogon, Kapushen, Kamulogon and Kapyegon.
He observed that the Nasukuta abattoir which will be launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in September will help reduce incidents of cattle theft in the area. “All cattle will be sold there after being identified,” said Lonyangapuo.
He noted that businesses are booming in the area following peace in the troubled area. “Our people are selling Irish potatoes in Mombasa, Kisumu and other major towns,” said Lonyangapuo. He further said that Kamelei Primary school has helped children in the region. “Our children are now safe.”