Catholic bishop of Eldoret Dominic Kimengich has called on leaders from the Kerio valley and the national government to put in mechanisms of empowering youths along the valley.
Speaking during the 26th peace mass that was held at Kapsait in Lelan ward which boarders Elgeiyo Marakwet county and West Pokot counties Bishop Kimengich said the best approach to end banditry in the valley is to provide opportunity for the youths along the valley instead of disarming them without any alternative activity.
He also expressed faith on the appointment of cabinet secretary in the ministry of interior Kipchumba Murkomen since he hails from the region and his knowledge in the terrain of the valley will help end the banditry.
His sentiments were echoed by his Aic counterpart Bishop David Kipsoi who called on the government to incorporate church leaders in transforming the youths in the area.
Elgeiyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich and his West Pokot counterpart Simon Kachapin pledged ten million shillings each in aid of building a tertiary institute along the boarder to empower youths and to bring peaceful coexistence.
This came after the residents drawn from Pokot community and Marakwet converged at Chesegon in the eve of New year to celebrate peace that has been experienced in the area for a couple of months
Earlier last year Catholic Bishop of Eldoret Dominic Kimengich, Lodwar diocese Bishop John Mbinda and Kitale Diocese bishop Henry Juma Odonya held peace mass at Chesegon and installed a holy cross in the area where residents converged on the eve of New year.
Bishops present yesterday were bishop emeritus Maurice Anthony Crowley Kitale Diocese Henry Juma Odonya other leaders present were William Kisang EMC senator Caroline Ngelechei Emc women Rep others included peace community drawn from the two countries.
