This archive report was first published on 3 August 2019.
On August 3, 2019, a historic deal was signed at Chesegon Trading Centre in a bid to restore peace in the troubled Kerio Valley.
Leaders from West Pokot, Baringo, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties made fresh commitments to ensure cattle rustling is brought to an end, allowing residents to enjoy peace.
Political and religious leaders present included West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, MPs Peter Lochakapong, Bowen Kangogo, and Oscar Sudi.
They agreed to immediately reopen several public schools that had been closed due to banditry.
Speaking during the reopening of Chesegon Trading Centre, which had been closed for over five years, the leaders read the resolutions after a seven-hour meeting.
Mr Lonyangapuo urged the national government to complete the tarmacking of Kamelei-Chesegon road and Kolowa-Lomut road to allow security agencies to flush out bandits from their hideouts.
Mr Tolgos said the clashes had paralysed the region's economy, and counties were looking forward to increased revenue from inter-community trade.
Mr Murkomen, the Senate Majority Leader, stated, "Banditry is to blame for food shortages in Kerio Valley and general under-development. We will not accept a turn back because we want our people to live in peace."
He regretted that many families had been forced to flee from their homes in the region, abandoning fertile land that would have been used for food production.
"As we turn a new chapter of peace, we want our people to use the fertile land they have to produce adequate food," Mr Murkomen said.
