Work together for region's peace, Marsabit leaders told

Ahmed Sett and Qari Abdul Razzaq

National Council of Elders Treasurer and Isiolo Interfaith Chairperson Ahmed Sett (right) and Star of Hope Association Organising Secretary Qari Abdul Razzaq address journalists in Isiolo town on December 24, 2021. Mr Sett asked Marsabit leaders, clergy and elders to unite and work together to promote peace in the region.  

Photo credit: Waweru Wairimu | Nation Media Group

Political leaders from Marsabit County have been asked to work together towards the restoration of peace in the region that has in the recent past been affected by a spate of insecurity.

National Council of Elders Treasurer Ahmed Sett called for concerted efforts in ensuring that communities living in the county coexist and end the fighting which has claimed tens of lives in the last few months.

Twelve people were recently killed during twin bandit attacks in Qubi Qallo and Dogogicha areas in Saku Constituency. Three other people sustained gunshot injuries during the attacks where bandits walked away with more than 2,000 animals.

Mr Sett, who is also the Isiolo Interfaith chairperson, stressed on the need for Kenyans to maintain peace during the festive season and the electioneering period, and called on elders and the clergy to take a leading role in uniting warring communities.

“The county leaders, clergy and community elders should find lasting solutions to the fighting which threatens development in the region,” Mr Sett said.

Live peacefully

He called for increased sensitisation of the residents on the need to live peacefully.

He spoke during the flagging off of a food consignment by Star of Hope Association (Soha), a charitable organisation, targeting 3,000 needy residents of Wajir. The food aid was donated by Caravan of Mercy UK and seeks to cushion the beneficiaries against the biting effects of drought.

Mr Sett told young people to desist from being used by politicians to cause violence during campaigns but instead spearhead peace efforts.

He appealed to Kenyans to show compassion to the needy, saying the majority of residents of northern Kenya had lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the invasion of desert locusts.

“The festive season is a time to share and care for the needy including orphans, the elderly and those with special needs,” the Soha administrator said.