The North Rift Region comprises of about Seven Counties namely, Uasin Gishu, Transnzoia, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, Samburu, and Laikipia. The North Rift Region is known for ethnic and tribal conflict as well as conflict that is related to fight of resources (Water points, land and grazing pasture) This Region has continued to feature in conflict where several actors and factors are involved. This violence usually gets heightened during an electioneering period as a result of political influence.
It is important to assess the patterns of conflict in this Region, analyze its trigger effects and device key strategies of conducting pre-emptive mediation. Looking back history lane, it is imperative to understand that comparable patterns that compel people to war are glaring, hence the importance of the Church which is a trusted organ/ institution to engage in early detection of violence and conflict as well as support efforts of other key actors in the North Rift Region to help scale down conflict respectively.
Conflict in the North Rift Region has always been known as an issues of ethnic catastrophes. been understood as a The dynamics of the North Rift Region are such that difference ethnic groups, depending of scope and habitants of this Region. A mix of different tribes are co-exist, but the relationship amongst most has been hostile, at times General Elections being a contributory factor. Residents and even the security personnel have borne the brunt of the violence in this Region and the idea of establishing a Mediation Council in every violence stricken area is vital. Engagement of the church cannot be ignored in the matter of bringing lasting peace and harmony in the Region and beyond.
Welcome and introductory Remarks
The introductory remarks revolved around the Norming/ Ground rules for the training revolved
around the important place that Religious leaders hold and the critical role they play. Religious
leaders have capacity to gather crowds every week at least once, and the influence and authority
the hold in un matched. The voluntary submission and commitment that members of the
community offer Religious leaders is remarkable giving them power with a captive audience
under their care.
The clergy present were given an opportunity to introduce themselves and the Counties they
represented before the Objectives for the Workshop were laid. The Objective which is
establishing a mediation Council in the North Rift, as well as Pastoring for Peaceful Elections in
2022.
Norming
1. Phones on silent mode
2. Efficient time keeping
3. Respect for each other’s opinion
4. No power play
5. No walk away
6. Active participation
Context of Mediation in North Rift – Preliminaries – Grace Muthungu/ Cyprian Orina Nyamwamu
- Question 1: What are the characteristics of a desired region or a region you wish to have?
- Question 2: What is the current situation of your region?
- Question 3: What are the gaps?