Nairobi: Community elders from the Ndorobo and Turkana communities have stepped in to defuse mounting tensions in Burat Ward, Isiolo County, following four days of conflict linked to livestock theft. The elders’ priority is to recover the livestock and prevent further conflicts and provide an opportunity to stop theft and retaliation through peaceful dialoguing and reconciliation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the elders met today in an effort to resolve the disputes in a peace initiative convened by the Regional Pastoralists’ Peace-Link (RPPL) in collaboration with county security actors through the office of the County Commissioner. The meeting underscored the importance of traditional leadership in resolving conflicts among pastoralist communities, where elders continue to command influence and trust.
Burat Ward Member of County Assembly Nicholas Lorot noted that the four days of clashes had resulted in the death of a conservancy ranger caught in the crossfire and losses for both communities, with over 1,400 goats and sheep stolen. In restoring calm, elders from the two communities agreed to lead efforts to trace and return livestock allegedly stolen from either side within three days. This agreement is expected to provide a pathway towards slowing the conflicts and rebuilding confidence between the communities.
‘The solution to this problem cannot be revenge,’ the Turkana Council of Elders Chairman Stephen Edung emphasized, advocating for dialogue and community peace mechanisms as the best way of resolving the disputes. Ndorobo Community elder Lela Kinyaga expressed that the initiative involving traditional leaders provided an important platform for dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful settlement of the dispute.
Isiolo Assistant County Commissioner James Macharia warned against attempts to disrupt transport operations along Isiolo town – Kipsing road, highlighting that security agencies would maintain regular patrols in the affected areas. He stressed that individuals found interfering with transport operations would face firm action, as road transport disruption negatively impacts security, movement, trade, and livelihoods in the pastoralist region.
RPPL Programmes Coordinator Halima Ali expressed concern over the tensions, especially as the country approaches the election campaign period, warning that unresolved ethnic grievances could be exploited. She urged peacebuilding organizations, community leaders, and security agencies to work together to restore peaceful coexistence between the neighbouring communities. Ali also stressed the importance of early warning and response mechanisms, as well as the critical role of community elders in conflict prevention and peacebuilding in pastoralist areas.
