Katilu – 21th August 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Authorities in Aroo Sub-County have successfully recovered and returned cattle stolen from the Ngikamatak community of Kotaruk, Loima Sub-County, easing rising tensions and averting possible retaliatory raids.
The recovery was spearheaded by the County Government with support from the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) under the Peace Actors Forum of state and non-state actors driving conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Turkana.
Ebongon Lomongin, Assistant Director for Peace Building and Conflict Management, said the handover was a goodwill gesture aimed at restoring trust and preventing violence.
“This is a critical step in fostering mutual respect between communities and shows how traditional conflict resolution mechanisms can help prevent cycles of revenge,” Lomongin stated.
Mark Kotol, the Ward Administrator for Katilu, echoed these sentiments during a community dialogue meeting. He reaffirmed the county’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence through ongoing engagement with communities.
Kotol emphasized the urgent need to end traditional cattle rustling, which he said has been a source of persistent insecurity in the region.
This peace building approach seeks to replace cycles of retaliation with structured dialogue and restorative justice. It aims to create a framework for long-term stability and security in the region.
The recovery process involved peace committees, assistant chiefs, assistant county commissioners, village administrators, and elders from both Kotaruk and Katilu.
Similar interventions have assisted to defuse tensions along Ugandan, Ethiopian, and South Sudanese borders where authorities have recovered and returned stolen livestock on more than 10 occasions.
Among the speakers were Joshua Eregae peace officer, Amos Ekeno – Village Administrator for Korinyang, Simale Godfrey – Village Administrator for Kotaruk and Dorcas Ereng – Village Administrator for Katilu.
National government representatives included Edison Ongaro Assistant County Commissioner for Katilu.
