Nairobi: A group of youths from northern Kenya’s pastoral communities have launched a musical peace promotional campaign in the region as a way of encouraging coexistence, discouraging cattle rustling, and urging tolerance ahead of next year’s general election. The peace concert held at the border of Isiolo and Laikipia, a corridor often exploited by criminals for cattle rustling, gathered morans who used music in their local dialects to advocate for peace.
According to Kenya News Agency, Sangau Maiyan, a musician from the Maasai community known by his stage name Sangstar, expressed that the event location was chosen to address the prevalent incidents of cattle theft and violence through symbolic soil anointing and prayers. The event aimed to unite affected communities and promote peace. Joseph Gilisho, another participant, highlighted the persistent issues of cattle rustling and banditry, which have hindered development in the pastoral regions, and called on the youth to pursue creativity over crime.
The morans acknowledged their past involvement in criminal activities and emphasized the importance of embracing the arts for personal growth. Isiolo Central Deputy County Commissioner Benard Okwiri praised the young people’s efforts in promoting peace and encouraged them to continue. He also urged residents to utilize government projects, like the newly constructed abattoir in Isiolo, to improve their livelihoods.
Residents noted a recent wave of insecurity in Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, and Laikipia, with livestock theft and loss of life. However, they expressed relief that multi-security team operations had restored peace. Community elders and local ranchers, including Borana, Lewa, and Iligwesi, participated in the concert, supporting the peace initiative. The musical group, which also involves the Meru community, plans to hold similar concerts across Samburu, Marsabit, Isiolo, and Laikipia, using powerful lyrics to heal the scars of past conflicts.
