Leaders from the troubled North Rift region have embarked on a peace caravan that will visit different areas spreading peace.
The caravan, led by at least 15 political leaders is aimed at encouraging the Turkana, Baringo and West Pokot communities to coexist in harmony.
According to a report by Citizen News, the peace caravan starts at Nasal in Kacheliba Constituency, after which its scheduled for Lorengkip in Turkana County where they aim to reconcile the warring Pokot and Turkana communities.
The peace talks initiative was a product of a meeting between Deputy President William Ruto and leaders from the North Rift areas.
See: North Rift Leaders Pledge to Stop Hostilities After Nadome Killings
The meeting, held at the DP's office in Karen had been attended by among others, Governors Simon Kachapin (West Pokot), Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo), Josephat Nanok and Moses Lenolkulal (Samburu).
Senators John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot), John Munyes (Turkana) and Gideon Moi (Baringo) were also in attendance.
Other leaders who attended the high powered meeting include Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery, Principal Secretary Monica Juma, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet,Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Osman Warfa and County Commanders from the region.
The leaders from the troubled communities had been summoned by the DP over killings in the North Rift that had seen more than 50 people killed at Nadome Valley, earning it the name "Valley of Death"
Communities in the North Rift have been involved in fierce clashes from time to time over pastures and livestock banditry.
During the meeting with the DP, the leaders some of whom had been accused of fueling the clashes pledged to put their differences aside and preach peace for the sake of their people.
Wednesday, the team led by the chair of the Parliamentary Security Committee Asman Kamama and including Governors Simon Kachapin, Benjamin Cheboi, Josephat Nanok,Senator John Lonyangapuo and more than 10 MPs and Women representatives drawn from the three counties has embarked on keeping their promise of peace preaching.
The government delegation is being led by Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Osman Warfa and a security team from the counties, together with elders from Pokot and Turkana communities.
The leaders have urged the residents to drop outdated aspects of culture like banditry and instead allow for education and other activities that will help bring development to the marginalized communities.
The caravan is expected to transverse the region for seven days.
Here is a video clip by K24 on the story:
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