West Pokot County held its second annual County prayer day at Chepareria Primary school to pray for peace, unity and get an update on the progress of unifying communities. The event which is held on the first Saturday of June was led by Rev Douglas Jiveti and themed “Seeking God’s Face”, was observed across all the 20 wards.
The prayer meeting brought together political and religious leaders who said that insecurity has greatly contributed to area lagging behind in development and there is an urgent need for political and religious leaders from the warring communities to forge unity.
Insecurity along County borders dominated the prayer meeting with guests who stood up to speak praying for peace along the six County borders asking God to intervene and allow residents to stay in peace and harmony.
West Pokot First Lady Dr. Mary Lonyangapuo, who is the organizer of the event, termed it as “the greatest initiative” the County has come up with, so far. She said that prosperity will only be experienced by nations that put God first. “We want to change our narrative as a County, and that will only happen if we let God guide our leadership, our people, our County,” she said.
Governor John Lonyangapuo called on residents in pastoral communities to shun conflict and desist from discriminating against one another along tribal lines.
He asked the church to preach and promote peace. “It is important for the people of West Pokot to put God first for the prosperity of the County,” he said, “We’re fulfilling a promise we made to ourselves last year to put God first in everything we do.”
He also mentioned that the County will realize more development if the peace being experienced in the County and along the border persists.
He emphasized on the need for leaders across the entire political divide to put up a united front in order to change the image of the County.
Senator Samuel Poghisio reiterated the need to continue with prayers, adding that the leaders need to unite.
Baringo Deputy Governor Jacob Chepkwony who also attended the prayer meeting said leaders from the region should recognize God in their leadership.
Chepkwony said that there is need to organize for other prayer meetings along borders lines of West Pokot, Turkana, Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet for the region to get healing.
West Pokot Women representative Lillian Tomitom called for unity among residents and elected leaders in the County. “Other areas should embrace us for the unity we have. We should put aside our differences to allow our leaders to work,” said Tomitom.