Nyakach elders are now proposing for intermarriage along the troubled Kisumu-Kericho border around Sondu market as a long-term intervention to the cattle rustling in the area.
Okech Odingo, chairman Nyakach elders said there has been a long-running mistrust between the two communities.
Odingo said the mistrust has affected the relationship between the two communities.
“For a long time, we have been trying to restore the relationship between the two communities without success. We have employed a number of initiatives but now we are pushing for inter-marriage,” he said.
He said efforts should now be put in place to encourage young people from the two communities to inter-marriage to start up the relationship.
Speaking in Sondu on Thursday during a peace meeting organized by Uhai Lake Forum, Odingo says all the problems affecting peace along the border can be amicable resolved.
An elder from Sigowet/Soin Philemon Kosgey welcomed the idea noting that in the past there was inter-marriage among the two communities and they used to live harmoniously.
Kosgey said the border will enjoy peaceful coexistence if the two tribes unite in marriage so that they can learn both cultures.
“Our ancestors used to intermarry and there were no cases of border conflicts occasioned by cattle rustling or land feuds. We encourage our young generation to date and marry so that we can find a lasting solution to this bad blood,” he said.
Uhai Team Leader Mark Omondi said they have employed a number of measures to ensure a lasting solution to the ever troubled border.
Omondi said they will continue organizing dialogue between elders from the two tribes noting that some retrogressive cultures are taking the society back.
Uhai Lake Forum has organized a series of meetings and activities that include football matches bringing together young boys from Luo and Kalenjin.
“We have done a lot in this border and you must know finding peace is not a day’s event. We will not tire in engaging the elders from these communities until that day the elusive peace will be found,” he said.