The Anglican Church of Kenya Diocese of Eldoret Bishop Dr Christopher Ruto has asked the government to fully involve locals from the affected areas of the volatile North Rift region in the ongoing peace initiatives.
Speaking during the laying off of the foundation stone for the construction of the new Sunday school church at the ACK St Mathews Cathedral in Eldoret, Bishop Ruto said an all-inclusive engagement with residents and other stakeholders without using violence, guns and other tools of destruction will be a better way in finding a lasting solution to the problems.
Bishop Ruto emphasised that it will be more easier to understand the real issues by listening to the locals’ views.
“Let there be a lasting engagement and find out how best to tackle the problem and make it a haven of peace – not violence, not guns and other tools of destruction,” the ACK Bishop said.
Kerio Valley insecurity
The region has for years faced insecurity over perennial bandit attacks, as a result leading to underdevelopment.
Some schools remain closed because of the security situation.
But for the last few years, the government has mounted an ‘Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift’ that involves a multi-agency security team.
Last year, the Ministry of Interior said it had managed to reduce bandit attacks by 70 per cent and had set a target of eliminating the vice by the end of 2024.
Meanwhile, the Eldoret clergy urged the government to find a lasting solution to the challenge of landslides by stopping encroachment and ensuring the enforcement of laws passed to protect forests, wetlands and rivers.
“We have enough good laws. Let them be protected and enforced so that during heavy rainfall water in our rivers can flow to lakes and even oceans peacefully without causing floods or destroying anything,” he noted.
However, he called upon Christians to support the Sunday School church project saying it will play a crucial role in shaping a younger generation for a better future.
