Nakuru peace ambassadors reveal triggers that may upset county's security

Peace stakeholders in Nakuru are keen on preventing possible threats to peace and security through a multi-sectoral approach.

Speaking during the launch of the Nakuru County multi-sectoral coordination and collaboration forum on peace and security, Mr Mwaura Gitonga, the chairman of the Nakuru peace forum pointed out that the numerous land disputes between communities and squatters in the settlement schemes in the rural sub counties, are potential triggers to insecurity and disruption of peace in the county.

Mr Gitonga indicated that the disputes are being witnessed in Naivasha, Gilgil, Subukia, Njoro and Bahati sub counties which have created tensions among the communities or residents around the areas.

The launch of peace forums, according to Mr Gitonga, will help in bringing all parties together in a dialogue and help come up with solutions in order to avert escalation of the dangers.

The forums which will be launched in the sub counties will help the committees identify these early warning signs and engage the warring factions in order to resolve their differences,” says Mr Gitonga.

The launch of the forum in Nakuru county followed a July 25 directive by the Ministry of Interior that recommended the establishment of the multi-sectoral and coordination and collaboration forums in the county and sub county levels, in order to address challenges relating to peace and security, conflicts and national cohesion.

The forums seek to bring together both state and non-state actors to identify, evaluate and find ways of mitigating the conflicts.

The launch in Nakuru was coordinated by the national steering committee in conjunction with Midrift Human Rights Network.

Mr Joseph Omondi, the Executive director at Midrift Hurinet said the forums will go a long way in promoting peace and security by fostering dialogue and cooperation for conflict prevention and resolution.

He called upon all players in the peace and security docket to join hands and support the forums.

“When people unite to share expertise, knowledge and efforts, we achieve far more than working in isolation. Collaboration allows us to align under a shared vision and pull resources for greater impact,” says Mr Omondi.

Other stakeholders present included the Sub County commissioners for both Nakuru town East and West, representatives from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Matatu, tuktuk and bodaboda operators, interreligious groups representatives as well as Civil Society Organisations.

Mr Were Simiyu, the DCC for Nakuru East noted that the forums come at a time when political temperatures are rising in the sub county.

Mr Simiyu notes that the politicians have been grouping people together which according to him is a potential threat to national cohesion.

In Nakuru West the sale of illicit brew has also been identified as one of the major triggers to breach of peace and security.

Mr Ali Omar the DCC for Nakuru Town West says the abuse of illicit liquor is what pushes many youths in the area into crime.