While Kenyans commemorated 63 years of self-rule the minority Ilchamus (Njemps) community in Baringo County had more than that, as they celebrated new found peace and a new Sub-county, thanks to government initiatives.
Even with scars of years of insecurity due to banditry and cattle rustling, internally displaced persons living in tents and poor infrastructure, members of the community thanked the government and Head of State for the newfound peace during the celebration at Mukutani Comprehensive School on Monday.
Two years ago, visiting Mukutani was considered a deadly mission as bandits patrolled the area with guns and would lay ambushes unprovoked.
Apart from recent isolated cases, a big attack seven years ago still lingers in their minds, as it led to loss of 11 lives and displacing of thousands of residents to the nearby Marigat Town, even the dead had to be buried under tight security watch,
The scenario is however different today, despite the poor road infrastructure, you will come across motor vehicles ferrying tomatoes from the fertile farms on the shores of Lake Baringo.
Even though the theme for this year’s celebrations was education, skills and the future, the speakers were compelled by the peace to celebrate improved security in the area.
Members of the community and their leaders could not hide their joy as they danced with joy, praising the government for the restored peace and tranquility.
The Ilchamus Council of elders, the apex of the community leadership, said they don’t take for granted the peace they are currently enjoying, comments that were echoed by Mama Nasaruu and Jenifer Lepoo from the neighbouring Pokot Community.
Lepoo said security had greatly improved and thanked the government of President William Ruto for its efforts. She said life had changed for the better, noting that people previously lived in fear because of insecurity.
She added that children from different communities, including the Tugen, Ilchamus and Pokot, now learn together peacefully and in unity.
The life testimony also came from Baringo Governor, Benjamin Cheboi, who recounted his near miss with destiny, when he was attacked in 2017, while on a tour to monitor the security status.
“I thank God that I am alive today to speak on the peace, which we should not take for granted, during my first term a bullet from the bandits missed my head by a whisker,” said Cheboi.
He thanked residents for maintaining peace and said the area had changed greatly over the years, recalling his first visit to the area during his first term as governor between 2013 and 2017 when insecurity was a major challenge.
“When I first visited this area, I was shocked to see young herders carrying guns, while herding livestock near Kiserian. Today, I saw a young boy herding cows with only a stick, which shows how much security has improved,” he said.
The residents and their leaders are now calling for government to initiate development projects in the area, so as to put them at par with other parts of the country.
Of particular importance is the 50 kilometres road, branching-off from the Marigat-Loboi road, which is in deplorable state as well as medical facilities and personnel.
Cheboi called on the residents to participate in upcoming public participation on Equalization Funds and allocate money for the construction of a Sub-county hospital.
“We have Sh6 million allocated to the health dispensary and even as we plan to build a new Sub-county hospital here in Mukutani using Equalization Fund, we will use the funds to improve the current facility,” said Cheboi.
He also promised to lobby the National government to improve the road infrastructure.
The new Baringo County Commissioner, Wesley Mabwai, also praised residents for maintaining peace and encouraged them to continue working together with security teams to keep Mukutani stable.
Mukutani Deputy County Commissioner Mike Wangila said the security operations undertaken by the government to mop-up illegal firearms had been successful, with some people surrendering guns. He urged those still holding illegal guns to hand them over and embrace peace.
Baringo County Police Commander Macharia Wanjau introduced the newly posted Sub-County Police Commander, Dennis Kaburu and called on the community to accord him the necessary support so as to maintain peace and order.
The new peace is as a result of successful government disarmament operation in parts of North-rift dubbed ‘Operation Maliza Uhalifu’ by the Multi-agency Security Team, which targets to end decades of banditry and cattle rustling that has led to loss of lives and property.
by Naomi Kipsang and Christopher Kiprop
