West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo has asked leaders in areas prone to cattle rustling and inter-community conflict to work with the government to find lasting solutions.
The Senator asked politicians to put aside self-interests and support government security programmes being implemented in Samburu, Pokot, Turkana and parts of Baringo.
Lonyangapuo also urged the government to initiate more peace programmes to come up with a permanent solution to the conflicts often experienced in the areas.
Addressing journalists at Eldoret town on Tuesday, Lonyangapuo said that there is need for more strategies that will provide lasting solutions to the perennial problem.
The Senator said that the areas are now experiencing calm adding that the same need to be maintained for a long time. He said several campaigns aimed at restoring calm and peace in the areas is going on.
“We are urging the government and stakeholders to draft more policies that will guarantee peace in areas prone to conflict and cattle rustling,” he said.
The senator urged residents to work with the police as they strive to end conflict and restore peace in the areas. He said the areas can only realise social and economic development once peace is restored.
Meanwhile, Bishop Alexander Moi of the Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God in Eldoret has asked the government not to use force in disarming communities that are holding firearms illegally.
The Bishop, who spoke to journalists in Eldoret yesterday, says that the government must use other strategies to get the weapons from the communities. Bishop Moi also urged the government to remain committed in providing security and peace in the conflict prone areas.