- “We have established that the social-cultural dynamics are intense, and adversarial and have been worsened by a competition for economic resources," said Lenku.
- The leaders called for an immediate halt to the fighting, and the recognition of land title deeds.
Image: KURGAT MARINDANY.
A peace meeting aimed at resolving years of anarchy between the three counties of Isiolo, Laikipia and Samburu ended Tuesday night.
The peace meeting that started on Monday under the leadership of Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku involved the governors of Narok, Laikipia, Isiolo and Samburu.
At the end of the two-day deliberations, in the meeting that was also attended by legislators and elders from the five Maa counties, it emerged that the never-ending skirmishes have been fueled by competition for economic resources.
“In our two days of deliberations, we have established that the social-cultural dynamics are intense, and adversarial and have been worsened by a competition for the economic resources, especially land and water,” Lenku told the journalists.
Lenku said the two-day peace meeting deliberated on many issues as the leaders looked at them to end senseless frictions that have led to the loss of human lives and livestock theft in Laikipia, Samburu, and Isiolo for a long while now.
“We have reached an agreement that on October 11th, 12th, and 13th, this year, alongside my counterparts, Patrick Ole Ntutu (Narok), and Governor Jonathan Lelelit (Samburu), we will lead all elected leaders and community representatives in visiting the specific areas in dispute to determine the truth,” said Lenku.
He said his team is optimistic that the residents from the marked counties of conflict will find a lasting solution to peace in the region.
“As Maa Nation leaders, we will take bold steps to realise peace and unity for our people,” said the leader of the peace meeting.
The leaders called for an immediate halt to the fighting, the recognition of land title deeds and to also embrace of the elderly and the guided grazing approaches in a bid to end cattle rustling.
The chairman said that the leaders in the region should stick to their recommendations, to ease the reopening of schools, roads, and all social amenities that had been closed down.
Governor Joshua Irungu (Laikipia) joined the leaders in the talks along with his deputy governor Reuben Kamore and MPs Sarah Korere (Laikipia North), Jackson Lekumontare (Samburu East), David Sankok (EALA), and Rebecca Tonkei (Narok Women Rep).
Other leaders who attended the meeting were; Ken Aramat (Narok East), Kitilai Ole Ntutu (Narok South), Agnes Pareyio (Narok North), George Sunkuyia (Kajiado West), Joseph Lekuton (Laisamis), Laikipia County speaker Ole Nabaala, former national assembly speaker Francis Ole Kaparo, opinion leaders, elders and representatives from Isiolo among others.
Three Maa governors and their legislators are holed up in Nanyuki to negotiate an alleged strenuous relationship between their clansmen in Laikipia and Samburu.
Governor Joseph Ole Lenku (Kajiado) is chairing the peace meeting in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, while accompanied by governors Patrick Ole Ntutu (Narok) and Lati Ole Lelelit (Samburu).
In a short brief at the start of the peace meeting, Lenku said:
“As the spokesman of the Maasai community, I stand united with my esteemed counterparts. We have convened for a vital peace consultation meeting."
“We are engaging in critical discussions on matters of utmost importance. The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members towards one another,” said Lenku.
He went on:
“We must be our brother’s keepers. Our diversity is perhaps our strongest asset, but in the past, it has been used as a fulcrum for divisive politics and marginalisation. Let us persist in our collaborative efforts to forge a prosperous future for our communities.”
Other leaders present included; MPs George Sunkuyia (Kajiado West) Ken Aramat (Narok East) Agnes Pareyio (Narok North), Kitilai Ntutu (Narok South) and Rebecca Tonkei (Narok County MP).
Former national assembly Francis Kaparo was also present in the peace meeting.
Details of the talks held in Nanyuki were kept under wraps, and the journalists were kept out of the meeting.
Image: KURGAT MARINDANY.