Waso peace caravan was launched two months ago as the last cluster of several other peace caravans like Suguta valley, Laikipia, Tinka Mara, Pokot peace caravan, name it. It has been successful from the beginning when the first introduction meeting attended by Samburu professionals was initiated in Sarova Panafric hotel followed by Nyeri Leg 1 and Leg 2 Green Hills hotel workshops. What followed is day 1 in field at Shokaa in Archer’s Post for grassroots introduction. On day 1 in field, all communities’ representatives’ party to caravan were invited to send the message back home that the Waso peace entourage will stream to their areas soon preaching peace.

Waso peace caravan (WPC) has achieved enormous strides in its quest to see to it that peace is a reality amongst the Samburus ,Rendiles,Borana,Turkana,Somalis and Merus communities.

WPC covers Isiolo, Laisamis, Samburu East and Igembe districts in its efforts of preaching peace. Initial workshops for professionals and Elders at Nairobi and Nyeri prepared the professionals well.

We have so far had two field visits. We have visited Lerata, Sereolipi, Laisamis, Gotu, Merti, Lare in Meru,Ngare Ntare, Daapa and Kulamawe in Isiolo.

Our visits have been greatly supported by Development Alternatives Initiatives (DAI) incorporation. And we say a BIG THANK YOU to this organization.

In every visit and engagements; There is a common denominator in the message we get from all this communities-That they need PEACE. They need to sit down and take care of the little livestock left behind by the famine and perennial raids. The Samburus want to reach to their Borana counterparts, Somalis want to graze their camel with Turkanas peacefully in Isiolo area. Borana want to go back to Losesia and graze together with Samburus just the same way they used to do in the early 80s.The Rendiles are singing the same song. Merus want to be left in peace as they go about their businesses.

Elders from all this communities have appreciated this initiative and really supportive.

Challenges-
I/We have been asked questions that we are unable to address in these meetings.
1. What are the alternative solutions to cattle rustling amongst the warriors?
2. What are the warriors going to do after conversion?
3. Some funds to support them individually or as groups?
4. Employments within the government?
5. What are the dividends coming with this peace? Adult education program?

We don’t know what to say as we are only peace makers.

Success-
1/caravan members managed to seek audience with his Excellency President Mwai Kibaki. Memorandum and a budget of Kshs 5.8B was presented to the President as a dividend that will come with peace in the 32 pastoral districts. This was forwarded to the Permanent Secretary (PS) Finance to ensure the developmental issues addressed are factored in the current Budget. There will be a follow-up meeting sometimes in July with the President on this.

I welcome all professionals who are interested to come on board. We are very few and we need more professionals to engage the communities at local level. The caravan is moving; you only need to jump in and get converted.

We need to preach peace to our People.

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A cocktail photo of peace caravan can be found in group’s photos or recent wall post