Communities living in Kerio Valley on Wednesday signed a historic peace deal which will end the perennial fighting between communities living in West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties.
The peace deal was dubbed Chesogon Peace Accord.
According to Deputy President, William Ruto's Press Service, he appealed to residents in the three counties to embrace peace, and give the Government a chance to turnaround the region.
"The newly-found stability would enable the Government to focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure and commerce that had suffered most during the tribal standoffs," said DP Ruto.
“Today, Kerio Valley has changed from the valley of cattle rustling and death to the valley of hope and peace,” he added.
He spoke at Chesegon in West Pokot-Elgeyo Marakwet border during the peace meeting, where he also opened a local market that had been closed for more than seven years due to insecurity.
Ruto lauded leaders from the region for spearheading the peace talks, pledging his support and that of the government.
Leaders who spoke urged communities living in the three counties and their leaders to adhere to the peace pact.
“We pledge to respect the accord. We will always work towards ensuring we are united and work together towards bettering the lives of everyone,” said Sigor MP Lochakapong Peter.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi who has been on the forefront in preaching peace said no politics will be tolerated in the deal, a sentiment that was echoed by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.
“Our primary focus is to bring everyone together. These reconciliation efforts would make us benefit from each other, and therefore benefit from our synergies,” noted the Elgeyo Marakwet Senator.
West Pokot Governor John Lonyang’apuo and his Elgeyo-Marakwet counterpart Alex Tolgos said the two counties will now focus on the development of the region.
“Moving forward, we will be talking about development; insecurity talks are over now. Let us live in peace so that we can reopen our schools and businesses can thrive,” maintained Tolgos.