After decades marred by bloodshed, displacement, and unfulfilled promises, communities from four volatile wards in Northern Kenya have united with a powerful and urgent declaration: Enough is enough.
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At a pivotal peace-building forum convened in Archer’s Post, community elders, morans, and women from conflict-prone areas—specifically, Chari and Ngaremara wards in Isiolo County, Waso ward in Samburu County, and Laisamis ward in Marsabit County—voiced a clarion call for authentic commitment from leaders and stakeholders to break the relentless cycle of violence.
Representing pastoralist groups such as the Borana, Rendille, Turkana, Samburu, and Dorobo, these community members shared heart-wrenching stories of lives lost, opportunities squandered, and generations raised in the ominous shadow of fear. Take, for instance, the poignant words of Mohamed Abduba, the Chairperson of the Merti Sub-County Peace Committee. He said, “For years, we have held countless meetings, signed resolutions, and posed for photos. Yet our people continue to suffer.”
His expression of despair resonates deeply: “Our people already struggle to find water and pasture in this dry land—but now, we have taken on an even more difficult task: killing each other.” It is a narrative that echoes in the hearts of many in the region who feel trapped in an unending cycle of conflict.
The forum, integral to a three-day inter-county peace initiative under the RANGE Programme led by the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), centered around shared resources and recurring disputes. These issues, primarily stemming from cattle rustling and territorial conflicts, have repeatedly hindered the region’s development and stability.
Soyana Lembara, the RANGE Programme Manager, emphasized a crucial insight during the discussions: lasting peace cannot be achieved through reactive measures alone. “It requires a shift from firefighting to prevention,” he asserted. “These perennial conflicts are not merely about cattle or borders—they stem from mistrust, exclusion, and unresolved grievances,” he continued. His words inspire reflection—how often do we overlook the roots of conflict, choosing instead to apply temporary fixes rather than addressing the core issues?
A significant departure from past peace-building approaches became evident in the forum’s deliberate inclusion of often marginalized voices—specifically, morans, women, and smaller communities like the Dorobo. This is not merely about pointing fingers but rewriting narratives that have led to destruction. “If we continue to exclude those who hold the weapons or those who bear the pain, then we are simply postponing the next clash,” Lembara added, urging all participants to embrace a more inclusive dialogue.
As the forum drew to a close, attendees looked forward with cautious optimism. There was an expectation that stakeholders would sign a peace pact, a document intended to delineate specific roles for each actor involved. This pact aims to serve not merely as a piece of paper but as a community-led roadmap toward a lasting peace in Northern Kenya. One can’t help but wonder: will this moment mark the turning point the region desperately needs? A hope remains that it will replace decades of violence with a new era of stability and progress—a hope that is echoed in the hearts of the attendees.
Yet, as with any monumental effort, there remains the ever-present challenge of sustaining momentum. How can communities ensure that the ideals discussed do not wither away as time goes on? History teaches us that without diligent follow-through and continuous dialogue, promises made at forums can often fade into empty sentiments. The voices of those on the ground must remain at the forefront, ensuring that accountability becomes a shared responsibility.
The challenges ahead are indeed steep. However, the collective voices of those affected are poised to incite change. The journey to peace is complex and fraught with obstacles, yet each discussion, every shared experience, and the willingness to forge bonds of trust are steps in the right direction. As communities across Northern Kenya stand on the precipice of this new chapter, they do so armed with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. They demand not only an end to violence but an opportunity for their children to thrive in a world unshackled from the chains of past grievances.
Will this peace-building initiative become a beacon of hope, leading to sustainable development and harmony? Only time will tell. Yet, for now, for the communities that gathered in Archer’s Post, the message is resoundingly clear: they are ready for change; they are ready for peace.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
