Leaders from North Rift have championed the influence of sports in fostering regional peace during the finals of the North Rift Peace Cup held in Kapenguria.

The tournament, aimed at promoting peace and unity in the region, was organized by the OKM Foundation under the patronage of Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

CS Murkomen praised North Rift Governors and residents for the success of the tournament and emphasized the crucial link between peace and development. He revealed plans by his ministry to establish road networks in the volatile corridors of North Rift.

“I want to thank residents of the four counties because they love peace. There will be no development without peace,” he said.

The CS announced that the foundation will extend its programs to include student scholarships.

He said “I want to say that from next year, we will be supporting ten students joining form one from each community. We will undertake the program each year and ensure that the students become peace ambassadors.”

Pokot FC (Men) and Mtelo starlets were crowned champions of the OKM tournament which brought together teams from Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Baringo.

On his part, Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai shared a message of goodwill from residents of Turkana and lauded organizers for the initiative. He proposed hosting future events in areas most affected by banditry, stating that bringing the peace message directly to these communities would be most impactful.

He said “I am here on an invitation by my friend Murkomen to witness a sporting event that will propel the youth of Kenya. I want to ask CS Murkomen to engage Non-Governmental Organizations and mobilize business grants for our people affected by banditry.”

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin said he was happy with the OKM foundation for considering the county for the tournament finals while his Nandi counterpart Stephen Sang challenged elected leaders from affected counties to spearhead peaceful coexistence.

Other leaders who spoke included Cabinet Secretaries Ababu Namwamba (Sports) and Susan Nakhumicha (Health) as well as Governors Wesley Korir (Elgeyo-Marakwet) and Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo).

Members of the National Assembly from Turkana present were Emathe Namuar (Turkana Central), Paul Nabuin (Turkana North), and Dr. Ariko Namoit (Turkana South).

Senior County Government officials present included Education County Executive Leah Audan and Chief of Staff Peter Yoromoe.