Northern Kenya

Turkana, Pokot peace committees advocate traditional compensation to end Bandit attacks

A community peace elder speaking during the peace commiittee meeting held at Lokoriama ward. (Handout)

By Issa Hussein | Thursday, July 4, 2024

The two communities living in the troubled Loya-Naoyapong corridor have been involved in a longstanding conflict resulting in killings and livestock rustling.

A joint Peace Committee in Turkana and Pokot is advocating for the adoption of a traditional compensation method to address the plight of the victims of bandit attacks.

The committee claims that this move will end retaliatory attacks and strengthen peaceful coexistence through structured dialogue.

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The two communities living in the troubled Loya-Naoyapong corridor have been involved in a longstanding conflict resulting in killings and livestock theft.

According to the Turkana County Peace Building and Conflict Management Directorate, the conflict resolution proposal has also received approval from the Ateker Cross Border and Local Councils III Forum, chaired by Peace Committee Chairperson Sammy Losuban.

Speaking at Lokiriama ward, Titus Lokorikeju, the County Director for Peace Building and Conflict Management, said that incorporating the traditional method of compensation through the joint efforts of peace committees representing the two communities will help reduce the conflict and further lead to peaceful coexistence.

He urged professionals and community members to support the proposal by the peace committees.

He recognised the crucial role of various peace forums and the Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralist Development (APaD) as implementing partners in the inter-communal peace accord program sponsored by the Danish Refugee Council.

Peter Njuguna, Assistant County Commissioner of Alale Division, assured the peace committees of the national government's support for the traditional method of compensation aimed at ending the persistent conflict.

"Dialogue between warring communities is essential in conflict resolution, and we will remain committed to supporting the initiative and further strengthening the security of hotspot areas," he said.

Aporon Lomulen, a peace committee member, stated that the initiative will yield positive results towards attaining peaceful coexistence.

"We ought to remain committed to the application of the traditional compensation model for the victims of banditry attacks to promote peace and harmony," he said.

Lawrence Lopayo, Lokiriama Ward MCA, also expressed hope that the proposed traditional method will contribute to lasting peace and help promote trade, education, and the livelihoods of the warring communities.

Turkana and Pokot counties have been involved in a historic conflict, compromising the development and security of the region. It is among the areas where the government has deployed security personnel in the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu in a bid to restore peace and calm.