By H, KNA
The Kipsigis Myoot Council of Elders has announced plans to convene a major leadership and reconciliation rally in Kericho Town on September 19 bringing together political leaders, clergy, and other stakeholders from across Kericho County.
Speaking at ACK Hotel in Kericho, the council’s chairperson, Richard Ng’eno, underscored the need for elected leaders to embrace unity, dialogue, and reconciliation as a means of resolving political disputes and fostering peace and development in the county.
Ng’eno expressed concern over the persistent wrangles among Kericho’s political class, urging them to adopt alternative conflict resolution mechanisms for the benefit of county residents.
He emphasised that disagreements among leaders had slowed down development programmes and weakened public trust in governance.
Ng’eno revealed that the rally will provide a neutral platform for leaders to engage constructively and chart a new path for collaboration in addressing pressing socio-economic issues affecting the county, including unemployment, stalled projects, and growing political polarisation.
In addition to addressing current leadership challenges, the meeting will also coincide with the elders’ reflection on 250 years since the establishment of the Kipsigis age-set system, which is an integral part of the community’s cultural heritage.
“The system, which categorises generations into Maina, Chumo, Sawe, Korongoro, Kaplelach, Kipnyige, and Nyongi, has historically played a vital role in guiding leadership and organising our community,” Ng’eno said.
Ng’eno noted that the council would take the opportunity to review the achievements and shortcomings associated with each age set over the centuries, identifying lessons that could inform future leadership.
“We intend to draw wisdom from the past while correcting mistakes that continue to haunt present-day governance,” he said.
The chairperson further remarked that the Kaplelach age set, currently in leadership, had gained a reputation for notoriety in earlier times, stressing that elders would provide guidance and correctional advice to ensure the mistakes of history do not derail the county’s leadership today.
“The rally will strengthen ties between traditional leadership structures and modern governance, with elders positioning themselves as mediators and advisors in times of political crisis. This will restore respect for our cultural institutions while ensuring they remain relevant in addressing today’s challenges,” Ngeno added.
The elders appealed to all leaders and residents of Kericho to support the initiative, stressing that peace, reconciliation, and unity remain the foundation upon which any meaningful progress can be achieved in the county.
