Lodwar, April 9 ,2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
Turkana County Peace Actor’s Forum have resolved to reach out to all leaders in a bid to arrest escalating conflict within Turkana.
The meeting, supported by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) was chaired by the County Commissioner, Julius Kavita, the team also resolved to work toward creating a conducive environment for rapid response against conflict triggers.
Specifically, the members proposed; deployment of security installations in form of police stations and or army barracks at emerging conflict hotspots in Naipa, Kan’galita, Lochwakan’gela, Kotaruk, Lochakula, Kailon’gkol and Lotiruk hills.
Members also called for the immediate closure of Lopuke livestock market following reports that animals stolen from the surrounding areas by cattle rustlers were being sold at the market owing to its long distance from security checkpoints.
In his speech at the meeting, the County Commissioner said that the Government was serious in its pursuit for peaceful coexistence for communities living within Turkana and peace between Turkana and its local and international neighbors.
Noting that the Turkana South and Loima corridor was becoming a major concern, Commissioner Kavita warned that the Government would not tolerate individuals and groups inciting violence.
The Chief Officer in the Office of the Governor, Paul Lodun’ga, expressed optimism that the resolutions reached would bring about tangible outcomes for the benefit of the society.
According to the Chief Officer, dialogue and collaboration have proven to be strategic tools in addressing conflicts in the past, calling upon leaders to embrace the two interventions.
The Chair of the County Assembly Committee on Security, Administration and Disaster Management, Hon Samuel Aliwo emphasized on the need for dialogue and creating a conducive environment for rapid response in conflict situations.
The meeting brought together Turkana County Assembly Committee on Security, Administration and Disaster Management, development partners, civil societies, County Government officials, and the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO).
