The National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities, alongside the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), has launched a peace initiative aimed at bringing lasting resolution to the ongoing violence.
The peace dialogue, which took place at the El Oadasio Hotel in Rumuruti town, brought together key stakeholders, including elders, youth leaders, civil society representatives, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and local leaders from both communities. Chaired by Kieni MP Antony Wainaina, the meeting sought to address the root causes of the conflict, which include competition over limited natural resources such as grazing land and water, exacerbated by recurrent droughts, overgrazing, and population pressures.
Speaking at the event, Wainaina emphasized the significance of the dialogue, stating, “We convened this forum to identify the root causes of the conflict that has led to loss of lives and livelihoods. As a Committee, our core mandate is to promote peaceful coexistence, and this initiative is a step toward lasting peace.”
The discussions highlighted how historical grievances, including cattle rustling and land disputes, have fueled tensions between the two communities. The NCIC delegation, led by Commissioner Dorcas Kedogo, reiterated its commitment to fostering dialogue and promoting sustainable peace in conflict-prone areas.
Luanda MP Dick Maungu and Isiolo North MP Joseph Lomwa also attended the meeting, both stressing Parliament’s commitment to peace. “We are deeply concerned, and we are committed to brokering peace,” said Maungu. Lomwa underscored the importance of community involvement, noting, “The future of our children and women has been severely impacted by these conflicts. It’s time for peace to prevail.”
The meeting concluded with a joint call for sustained dialogue, equitable resource sharing, and community-driven peace mechanisms, setting the stage for future collaboration between the Samburu and Turkana communities toward a peaceful coexistence.
