26/09/2022
It is my view that the President should urgently and with the approval of the cabinet of course, setup a team that will look into the insecurity menace in the Northern Frontier counties, i.e. Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Laikipia, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Isiolo from a holistic and multifaceted approach. The team to report directly to the President.
I know we are fed up with “task forces and Commissions of inquires”, but hear me out; The mandate of this team will be to look into the long-term solutions even as the immediate interventions of peace meetings, and disarmament, among others, are taken.
The team needs to be on this 24/7 ensuring that these aspects are incorporated in the wholistic approach.
Security
1. Comprehensive Disarmament
2. Recruitment of well-trained, funded NPRs as they understand the local terrain better while working with other security personnel. This will also create employment for young men.
3. Quick response to incidences as they occur.
4. Sharing of early warning and prompt action.
Peace, Justice and Reconciliation
1. Peace efforts to be continuous among all stakeholders. Dialogue especially that targets the involved young men. This is Not a day’s activity.
2. Political leaders to be committed to the peace process and call out even own community members when they attack. Criminals to stop hiding behind the community and their political leaders.
3. Culprits to face the full force of the law and not just to paying fines and being released back to continue with banditry. This is a criminal offence; robbery with violence, and not a cultural practice.
4. Civic education on sustainable livestock keeping and training on alternative sources of livelihood and adaptation to claim effects are change.
5. Cultural exchange and interventions.
Deliberate and Targeted Development with funding.
1. National, County Governments and Development Partners, must change tact from Peace for Development to Development as a catalyst