The Turkana and Pokot Peace Committees gathered in Kainuk, Aroo Sub-County, to address ongoing conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence between the two communities.
This crucial meeting, attended by representatives from various conflict-affected areas, focused on community-driven strategies aimed at fostering peace and unity. Mr. Geoffrey Lomongin, the Assistant Director for Peace in the Directorate of Peace and Conflict Management from the Office of the Governor of Turkana County, led the discussions.
"Together, we can pave the way for a brighter and more peaceful future for the people of Turkana," Mr. Lomongin emphasized, urging collaborative efforts to sustain long-term peace in the region.
Supported by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) through the Resilience Peace & Stability Program (RPSP), the peace meeting centered on developing interventions that strengthen inclusivity and consensus without unintentionally escalating conflicts. Key speakers, including John Ekutan, a peacebuilding officer with DRC, highlighted the importance of involving local elders and communities in creating effective, homegrown solutions to the unique challenges faced in different parts of Turkana.
Participants discussed various approaches to peace promotion, such as structured compensation plans for aggrieved parties, morning call-up meetings, and community sensitization initiatives. Aroo Sub-County administrators and chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing peaceful coexistence between the Turkana and Pokot communities.
The meeting also emphasized the need to address the concerns of the youth, who are often involved in conflicts, by encouraging them to cease violence and protect vulnerable members of the community. Additionally, the political leadership was called upon to actively promote unity and support cross-border trade as a means of fostering cooperation between the two communities.
In a symbolic gesture of their commitment to the peace process, two elders, one from Turkana and the other from West Pokot planted a tree at the meeting venue, representing a shared hope for a peaceful and prosperous future for both communities.
