The business community in West Pokot County has called on the County and national governments to incorporate business people in the peace building process to end cattle rustling and banditry activities in the affected Counties in the North Rift region.
The business people under the banner of the Kenya Chamber of Commerce West Pokot Branch said that insecurity lapses and perennial conflict among neighboring communities has affected the economy of the region.
More than fifty people have been killed, hundreds of livestock stolen, property destroyed, residents displaced, schools closed and businesses affected in West Pokot, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo Counties since the year started due to insecurity.
The insecurity has distanced potential investors to the region leading to high poverty levels and unemployment in the region.
Speaking to the press in Kapenguria, West Pokot Chamber of commerce chairperson Rev. Mark Lotee reiterated the need for business people to be included in the peace building initiatives in the region.
“We shall ensure that guns aren’t a common theme and there is zero banditry and cattle theft in the region,” said Lotee. He said that they have teamed up with their Turkana counterparts and are engaged in preaching peace in hot spot areas hence called on other neighboring Counties to join the bandwagon. “We need all neighboring Counties to join us so that we can have calm in the region,” he said.
Rev. Lotee said that they will be moving in hot spot areas to preach peace and empowering youths to shun engaging in retrogressive activities.
