Over 200 Morans drawn from Isiolo, Laikipia, Samburu and Marsabit counties converged at Kipsing in Isiolo County on Friday for the Isiolo Peace Ultra Marathon, using the 22-kilometre race to advocate for the establishment of a police station in the insecurity-prone division.
The event, organised with support from the Regional Pastoralists Peace Link (RPPL), the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) and other partners, aimed to strengthen peace-building initiatives by engaging young people in community dialogue and encouraging their active participation in conflict resolution.
Besides promoting peaceful coexistence, the marathon provided a platform for residents to voice long-standing security concerns and call for stronger government intervention to curb recurring incidents of cattle rustling and other crimes affecting the region.
RPPL Programmes Coordinator Halima Ali said the initiative specifically targeted Morans from pastoralist communities, who are often at the centre of inter-community conflicts. She said participants would also be enrolled in programmes aimed at providing alternative livelihoods to discourage involvement in cattle rustling and other criminal activities.
Ali explained that Kipsing was selected as the venue because it lies along the Isiolo–Samburu East corridor, an area that has experienced frequent stock theft and serves as a transit route for stolen animals.
She observed that the absence of a fully operational police station had weakened security operations in the area, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to respond promptly to criminal activities.
“The establishment of a police station in Kipsing remains critical in enhancing security and supporting ongoing peace initiatives,” she said.
FCDC Range Programme Manager, Seyana Lembara appealed to the national government, through the Office of the County Commissioner, to honour commitments made under an existing peace agreement by establishing a police station in the area.
He noted that improved security infrastructure would complement community-led peace efforts and strengthen cooperation among neighbouring counties.
While flagging off the marathon, Isiolo County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga urged residents to remain vigilant along the Mlango–Kipsing corridor, which continues to experience recurring security challenges.
Chaunga identified the killing and intimidation of teachers, motorcycle thefts, cattle rustling and drug trafficking as some of the major security concerns affecting the area.
He noted that inadequate intelligence networks and limited security infrastructure had complicated efforts by security agencies to effectively combat crime.
Residents reiterated the need for enhanced security, with Solomon Loretul expressing concern over the continued absence of a functional police station despite repeated incidents of insecurity.
He said a permanent police presence would improve response time, deter criminals and restore public confidence.
A reformed Moran and former cattle rustler from Samburu, Joshua Lekudai, said the marathon had brought together young people from different counties, providing an opportunity to strengthen relationships and champion peaceful coexistence.
He encouraged fellow Morans to abandon cattle rustling and embrace legitimate income-generating activities.
Reverend William Lekada welcomed the changing attitudes among young people, saying many had demonstrated willingness to reject violence and pursue peaceful livelihoods.
He noted that sustained community engagement would help transform mindsets and reduce conflicts associated with competition over resources.
Resident Josphine Ekuam said women would continue playing a critical role in sustaining the peace campaign by encouraging young people to actively participate in community peace-building programmes and dialogue.
Sub-County Peace Chairman Mohamed Abduba welcomed the growing involvement of youth in peace processes, saying it marked a significant shift from the long-standing practice of relying solely on elders to resolve conflicts.
He observed that involving young people directly was already yielding positive results by fostering trust and encouraging shared responsibility in maintaining peace.
Many Kipsing residents said the marathon had united communities previously divided by conflict, demonstrating a renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Participant Sadia Hasan said involving young people in peace initiatives was essential because they are often at the centre of conflicts, adding that empowering them would help reduce cattle rustling, strengthen community cohesion and improve long-term security.
By David Nduro
