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Ruto leads Kisii - Kalenjin reconciliation agreement

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Published on Sunday, 31 July 2011 00:27

ELDORET North MP William Ruto over the weekend led a reconciliation meeting between the Kalenjin community and their Kisii neighbours that resolved not to engage in violence again. The common boundary between the two communities has been a violence hotspot in the last three general elections.

 The peace meeting was chaired by Kalenjin elders John Seii and Josiah Sang and Kisii elder Araka Matundura. The resolution was announced at several public rallies that Ruto addressed. "There is no need for the blame game to continue," Ruto said. "We have resolved that the Kalenjin forgive the Kisii who have wronged them and the Kisii forgive the Kalenjin who have wronged them. Blame games will get us nowhere," Ruto said.

 Speaking at a service in Kisii Central SDA Church, Ruto said the Kisii community were hit by the 2007-08 violence even if sometimes they retaliated against the Kalenjin. Ruto has been vote hunting in Kisii for the last three days and analysts said it was necessary that he get the backing of former Cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae.

 Nyachae pledged to work with Ruto. “There is no bigger weapon than forgiveness, even the Bible says so. We should forgive each other and move forward,” said a humbled Ruto. “Politicians are known to change their stand on issues but I have come here as a Christian to worship with you. So take my word, I have come to call for peace and reconciliation and I ask you to pray for me,” he declared.

 He spoke in Chepilat, then Riensune village in Borabu district, Igare in Nyaribari Chache and Nyacheki, Nyangusu and Nyamache in Bobasi constituency hosted by Lucas Mogoa. Former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara hailed Ruto’s remarks on forgiveness between the two communities, saying they were sincere. “He has said sorry when it matters and these are the responsible leaders that we want,” said Magara. The Kisii and Kalenjin elders later met at night at Ufanisi Resort to brainstorm on how to find a lasting peace.

 In his two-day tour Ruto was accompanied by MPs from Rift Valley where many Kisii were expelled in the 2007-08 post-election violence. He began his reconciliation tour on Friday at Chepilat, the border point worst hit by the violence, where he was hosted by Sotik MP Joyce Laboso and North Mugirango’s Wilfred Ombui. “There are no winners and losers in the sporadic clashes along the boundary of Kisii and Kalenjin. There is need for us to embrace reconciliation and peace,” added the MP.

 Other MPs present were Julius Kones, Benjamin Langat, Charles Keter and Isaac Rutto. They were later joined by Cherangany’s Joshua Kuttuny. Ruto also reconciled with former Cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae at a funeral in Nyaribari.

 He and Magara sought Nyachae’s forgiveness which he gave them. Nyachae said the Kisii and Kalenjin need each other as more than 500,000 Kisiis live in Rift Valley. Ruto criticised Prime Minister Raila Odinga. “How can somebody dwell on football imagery and proverbs wherever he holds a rally instead of addressing the real problems facing Kenyans?" said Ruto. Ruto told the youth to elect a youthful leader to solve their problems. “I am telling the youth some of those who have declared interest in the highest office are just jokers. I am asking you to make an informed choice come next year,” Ruto said.

 Meanwhile, Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere yesterday said that he will rally Coast People to support Ruto in his bid for presidency. Mwakwere said Kenya is tired of empty rhetoric and needs a visionary leader like Ruto. “It is time for William to take the mantle from President Kibaki who is retiring next year. We want to tell those who have since expressed interest in the office to wait until their time comes,” Mwakwere said.

 Speaking at Iranda in Kitutu Chache Constituency during a funds drive for the youth, Mwakwere said he had decided to support Ruto even though they are in different parties. Mwakwere is the PNU National Vice-Chairman. “Most of those who have declared interest in the top seat have not demonstrated how they are going to address the massive youth unemployment and biting hunger in this country. They should not be given chance,” he said.