This archive report was first published on 4 October 2021.
October 4, 2021, marked a significant step towards peace in the Kerio Valley region as widows from Elgeyo Marakwet County and three other Rift Valley counties came together to launch a peace initiative.
The initiative, dubbed the Potuma Widows Peace Initiative, aims to address the increasing insecurity in the region, which has been exacerbated by cattle rustling. This has had a devastating impact on women and children, who have lost their husbands and fathers to bandit attacks and cattle rustling.
Speaking at the launch, Agriculture Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Linah Jebii Kilimo emphasized the need to find ways to address the challenges facing families affected by banditry and cattle rustling. She noted that the government has decided to use widows in the fight against banditry and cattle rustling, as they are the most affected and understand the pain.
Chief Administrative Secretary Beatrice Elachi added that the main objective of gathering the widows was to jointly strategize and set common priorities in enhancing women's role and peace building in their respective areas. She called on the communities within the region to embrace unity and live together in harmony.
The peace program is supported by the Ministry of Public Service and Gender and sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund and the Federation of Women Lawyers. Fida, a women's rights organization, has pledged to provide legal aid and counseling to the widows who have been traumatized by the banditry in the region.
