National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula emphasized that enhanced peace among pastoralist communities is paving the way for education, trade, and investment in northern Kenya.
He highlighted that collaboration between the Government, the Catholic Church, community elders, and local residents has significantly reduced conflicts among the Pokot, Turkana, and neighboring communities.
Wetang’ula noted that these peace gains are crucial as the region aims to attract substantial infrastructure and investment projects.
“Peace serves as the cornerstone of development. When communities coexist harmoniously, they can engage in trade, educate their children, invest, and actively contribute to the advancement of their region,” Wetang’ula stated.
Speaking at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Chepkondol, Sigor Constituency, West Pokot County, he commended the Catholic Church for its vital role in fostering peace and reconciliation.
He specifically acknowledged Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Kitale, His Lordship Anthony Crowley, for championing initiatives that unite communities through dialogue and preaching.
“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Catholic Church, under the guidance of Bishop Emeritus Anthony Crowley, we have developed initiatives that connect communities through preaching and dialogue,” he remarked.
Wetang’ula asserted that the Church’s grassroots presence has significantly bolstered government endeavors to enhance security and promote development in regions previously plagued by inter-community conflicts.
He advocated for the expansion of the peacebuilding approach to other counties within the pastoralist belt, including West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, and Baringo.
The Speaker emphasized that stability would enable communities to harness the region’s mineral wealth effectively.
He pointed to the Cemtech clinker plant in West Pokot as a prime example of investments that could generate jobs and stimulate economic activity if local communities are actively involved.
He stressed that peace, infrastructure, and responsible management of natural resources must be pursued in tandem to unlock the region’s economic potential.
“Development projects yield lasting benefits only in an environment of peace and stability,” he affirmed.
Wetang’ula also referenced the planned Sh18 billion Maili Tisa-Mois Bridge-Kitale-Makutano-Kapenguria-Turkana road as a transformative initiative that will enhance connectivity within the region.
“This road will facilitate the movement of people and goods, creating abundant economic opportunities across the area,” he explained.
He urged religious leaders, government agencies, community elders, and residents to continue their collaborative efforts to safeguard the peace achieved over the years.
Wetang’ula also encouraged eligible Kenyans who have not yet registered as voters to obtain identification documents and register, asserting that this action empowers them to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
Shifting to political matters, the Speaker criticized opposition leaders for failing to present a clear alternative agenda for Kenyans.
He urged residents to rally behind President William Ruto’s administration, asserting that sustained cooperation with the Government will facilitate the successful implementation of crucial development projects.
