The Pamoja Initiative – Kipsigis and Luo Inter Ethnic Dialogue Forum 27th June 2014 RESOLUTIONS

Preamble

We the elders, religious leaders, women leaders and youth leaders from Kipsigis and Luo communities have met here at Diakonia Resort and Conference Center, Sondu, to assess progress and chart the way forward in the process of resolving conflicts between our communities. This was the latest in the series of dialogue forums organized by The Pamoja Initiative being implemented by the National Council of Churches of Kenya.

We appreciate the importance of good neighbouriness and the centrality of peaceful coexistence. Our communities have lost a lot in the past due to conflict, and we resolve that such must never be repeated.

We have considered the progress made in the implementation of the peace resolutions made in past dialogue forums, and now agree on the following as the actions to move this process forward:

1. 1.      Joint Peace Committee

We have agreed to form Joint Peace Committee that will spearhead peace building activities between our communities. Each committee will work with the leaders and members of their communities and serve as the bridge between the two communities. The members are:

1. 2.      Public Barazas

We have agreed that three public barazas will be held where a report on this meeting and the previous dialogue forums will be presented. The three barazas will be organized by the Joint Peace Committee in consultation with the provincial administration and other community leaders. The 3 barazas are proposed to be held on:

1. 3.      Inter Denominational Prayers

We have agreed that the religious leaders from our two communities will organize inter denominational prayers across our communities to further enhance cohesion and integration.

1. 4.      Common Markets

To facilitate integration and cohesion, we have agreed that the Joint Peace Committee will coordinate the identification and opening of the common markets. This is to remove the need for door to door hawking. The committee will work with the local administration to achieve this.

1. 5.      Opening Roads

We recognize that infrastructure is of great importance for development and also to facilitate cohesion and integration of our communities. We will therefore advocate for construction and upgrading of roads especially along the border of the two communities. Advocacy will be targeted on the county governments and the Constituency Development Fund committees.

 Further, we have agreed that the Joint Peace Committee will reach out to the persons who blocked roads passing through their land to seek forgiveness on behalf of the community and plead with them to re-open the roads.

1. 6.      Youth Empowerment

Appreciating that conflicts are often perpetuated by the youth, we have resolved to promote and initiate youth empowerment programmes. The Joint Peace Committee will follow up with county and national government offices to support our youth to access the available economic empowerment resources including Uwezo Fund, Youth Enterprise Development Fund, and the 30% procurement rule. Common activities that promote integration such as sports, trainings, debates, etc will also be facilitated by the Joint Peace Committee. Activities will also be organized to promote interaction between different schools.

1. 7.      Court Cases

Arising from the past incidence of violence, a number of people were charged in court. The Joint Peace Committee will create opportunities for the community members to give further information and suggestions about these cases, with a goal of promoting termination of the cases.

It will however be made very clear that any individuals who commit any crimes from this day forwards must be arrested and prosecuted.

Conclusion

Peace is an essential element in sustainable human life. The importance of peace was emphasized by Jesus Christ Himself when He declared in John 14: 27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”. Further, the Bible instructs us in Romans 12: 18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”.

We therefore commit ourselves continue working for peace in our communities.

May God bless our nation Kenya and our communities living at Sondu.

 Signed on this 27^th day of June 2014 at Diakonia Resort and Conference Center, Sondu.

Paul Raj O. Onyango                                                 Joseah Terer

Representative, Luo Community                                 Representative, Kipsigis Community