- For the past two years, Baragoi and other parts of Samburu North have enjoyed a period of calm that was previously unimaginable.
- Baragoi town, once dangerous after dark, has become a sleepy and peaceful town.
Image: HANDOUT
The dusty, semi-arid town of Baragoi, once a battleground for deadly tribal conflicts between the Turkana and Samburu communities, is now experiencing a remarkable transformation.
For decades, Baragoi was plagued by violent clashes, livestock theft, and a deep-seated fear of banditry.
One of the most tragic incidents in recent memory occurred at the foot of the Suguta Valley, where over 40 police officers were killed while attempting to recover stolen livestock.
The region, long known for violence, is now finding peace.
For the past two years, Baragoi and other parts of Samburu North have enjoyed a period of calm that was previously unimaginable.
Baragoi town, once dangerous after dark, has become a sleepy and peaceful town.
The local leadership led by Samburu North Member of Parliament Eli Letipila have made it a priority to foster harmony between the warring Turkana and Samburu communities.
"Peace has been possible because all leaders started talking in one voice and spreading one message of peace," Letipila said, reflecting on the efforts to unify leaders in the region.
Letipila has been at the forefront of bringing the two communities together, urging them to resolve their differences through dialogue and cooperation rather than violence.
Residents have acknowledged Letipila's role in pursuit of peace in the area, saying he has been instrumental in turning the tide in Baragoi.
His deep connection to the area, being born and raised in Baragoi, has played a significant role in his success as a peacebuilder.
Esokon Kuti, a resident of Etekker village near Baragoi, highlighted the MP's unique advantage in bridging the gap between the two communities.
“The good thing is that the MP, having been born and bred in Baragoi, understands both Turkana and Samburu languages. This has made it easier for him to spread the message of peace in the villages of Lomirok, Marti, and others,” Kuti said.
He added that this cultural fluency has allowed Letipila to speak directly to residents in their native languages, fostering a deeper understanding and sense of unity.
Thanks to this, Kuti and many other residents now feel safe walking to town and working on their farms, something that was unthinkable just a few years ago.
"We can now farm and walk to town without fear, unlike before," Kuti said, reflecting on the dramatic changes that have taken place in the region.
For the first time in many years, he and other residents of Baragoi can plan for their future without the constant threat of violence looming over their heads.
Image: HANDOUT
The impact of the peace initiative is also being felt in local communities beyond Baragoi.
Lomirok, Marti, and other villages that were once hotspots for violence are now embracing peace.
Moses Lerrete, a community peace leader said the efforts have been key in restoring peace in the region.
“Peace is being felt, and we have leadership that understands the value of unity,” Lerrete said.
Businesses in Baragoi town, once shut down due to insecurity, are now thriving, and the town’s economy is slowly beginning to recover.
Residents are opening up shops, and the streets, once empty after sunset, are filled with people going about their daily activities without fear.
However, the path to peace is still fragile.
While the leadership has made significant strides, underlying issues such as competition for resources and historical grievances between the two communities remain.
There is a growing awareness that peace must be nurtured, and many residents are concerned that any lapse in leadership could see a return to violence.
Letipila acknowledged these concerns but remains optimistic.
“We know the peace is fragile, but we are committed to ensuring it lasts. Our communities have suffered for too long, and we are determined to protect this progress,” he said.
He works with local leaders, elders, and youth from both communities, urging them to embrace reconciliation and long-term stability.
For now, the people of Baragoi are enjoying the peace they never thought possible.
The unity of leaders, combined with the personal commitment of the legislator, has turned the region from a conflict zone into a beacon of hope.
The once blood-stained lands of Baragoi are now fertile with the seeds of peace and unity, and residents are cautiously optimistic that this fragile peace will last for years to come.
As the residents of Baragoi walk through their town, free from the fear that once gripped them, they remain hopeful that their newfound peace will continue to flourish under the guidance of their leaders.
They say Letipila's deep roots in the community have given him the insight and the drive to make a lasting difference.