The Narok Church Leaders’ Communique
- A. Preamble:
We Church leaders from Narok County have today met here at Seasons Hotel ,for a one-day consultative forum facilitated by NCCK, to deliberate on issues affecting our County. The forum was a follow up meeting to previous initiatives by Narok Church leaders, in seeking conflict sensitive mechanisms to emerging issues within the County.
Participants were drawnfrom the churches in Narok countyunder the auspices of Narok County Pastors Peace and Reconciliation Committee and represented the following Maa clans; Purko, Moitanik, Keekonyokie, Uansingishu, Loita, Siria, Ildamat and Ogiek.
We reflected on the biblical teachings in Isaiah 1:18-20, that emphasizes on dialogue among humanity.
“18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”
- B. Issues Discussed:
The following issues formed the basis of discussion and extensive review of our role as church leaders in mediating and adopting conflict sensitive mechanisms that unlocks the political and socio- economic potential of our county.
Resource distribution and utilization
Land- Mau, Mara Game reserve, trust lands, group ranches, Olkiombo conservancy, Mara triangle among others
Employment disparities in County government
Broken/unfulfilled political promises
Political rivalry among Maa clans
Self-aggrandizement
Political realignment ahead of 2017 general election
C. Resolutions:
In view of these issues, the church leaders hereby resolve;
1. To commit to a dialogue and mediation process as an engagement strategy to resolve the issues affecting our county
2. The church leaders commit to drive and be actively involved insocio-economic and development agenda for the Narok County and bring demand accountability on the use of resources in the county
3. That governor Hon. Samwel ole Tunai and Senator Stephen ole Ntutu, MPs and MCAs must show leadership by agreeing to resolve the issues affecting the people of Narok County
4. The church leaders are committed to the unity of the county and will support processes that promote peace, equity and cohesion in the county government and the county at large
5. The governor .the senator together with political leaders should give dialogue and mediation a chance; that promote peaceful coexistence and DO NO HARM principles in mitigating conflicting issues
6. The national government through the existing structures should address these issues;
The report of the auditor general on the alleged misappropriation be made public and be implemented
The senate that oversights the county should engage on issues raised in the county
The ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resource Management together with water towers authority and other requisite agencies should make necessary interventions to protect the Mau forest
7. The presidency which has the mandate of national unity and cohesion should urgently spearhead reconciliation process in Narok County.
8. The office of the governor and the county service board should endeavor to ensure equitable distribution of resources and inclusion, for these are the principles of national values and good governance.
9. The desire of Narok people is development and socio-economic prosperity of Narok County. We therefore demand that this should be the cornerstone of engagement.
10. We urge leaders of this county to strive to work together and seek for amicable solutions rather than divisive politics.
D. Conclusion
In this regard, we wish to express our commitment to these processes and hope that the County’s leadership will act in the same spirit to see a prosperous, peaceful and cohesive Narok County.
God bless you all.
Signed on this day 16th March 2015 at Seasons Hotel Narok by;
Bishop Jackson ole Sapit
Chairman, NCCK South Rift Region
Bishop Moses Saayo
Chairman,NCCK Narok County Coordinating Committee Chairman
Rev.Julius ole Nalamae
Chairman Narok County Pastors Peace and Reconciliation Committee
