Church calls for concerted effort to address insecurity in Marsabit – KBC

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), has expressed concern over the continued state of insecurity in Marsabit County.

The Council has called on the Government to introduce stringent measures to curb the situation.

The Council’s coordinating committee for the Upper Eastern Region has also pointed out the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic and asked residents to continue observing the Ministry of Health guidelines and protocols.

In a statement to the press after a daylong deliberation on statutory business of the church and the state of Marsabit County, the Committee through its Chairperson, Rt. Reverend Qampicha Wario, pointed out that despite various security initiatives there are concerns over increased breaches of the same.

The Committee called for action towards ending cattle rustling and recovery of stolen animals which they said was aggravating the poverty situation in the region.

The Council also called for collaboration between the two levels of government on security matters, saying the church and the residents ought to be involved in the peace and safety initiatives.

They said lack of political good will, mistrust of peace coordinators and cultural barriers are among hindrances of peace and cohesion in the County.

Reverend Wario said that lack of clear administrative boundaries, rivalry over resources and seemingly slow security interventions were also a barrier to peace building in the County inhabited by more than 14 pastoralist communities.

The Committee also urged religious leaders to strive to build cordial relationships that would enhance tolerance and co-existence among the faithful.

“We shall be networking with the County security stakeholders in building peace and maintenance of security,” they said.

At the same time, NCCK called on residents of Marsabit to take an active role in the BBI process so that they can make informed decisions during the referendum.