06/09/2026
Within just 14 days, seven members of the Pokot community have reportedly been killed in attacks allegedly carried out by bandits from Turkana.
The question is simple: If Turkana leaders genuinely want peace, why are they not speaking out strongly against the killings allegedly carried out by people from their own community?
When Pokot leaders and residents call upon the Government to take action against the attacks, some leaders are quick to speak about peace, yet remain silent about the deaths and suffering caused by bandit attacks allegedly originating from their side.
You cannot call for peace while deliberately ignoring violence committed by your own people. You cannot condemn one community while closing your eyes to the suffering of another. Peace must be fair, consistent, and based on accountability.
If Turkana leaders truly want lasting peace, they should also use their influence to educate and restrain their own people from attacking their neighbours. They should condemn the killing of innocent Pokot people just as strongly as they would condemn attacks against Turkana people.
It is also deeply unfortunate when a leader, such as the Turkana South MP, uses disrespectful and inflammatory language by referring to the Pokot community as “fools.” Such language does not promote peace. It risks creating anger, hatred, and further tension between communities.
Leadership is about calming tensions, protecting lives, condemning violence regardless of who commits it, and bringing communities together.
We do not need leaders who fuel division. We need leaders who speak for peace, justice, accountability, and the protection of every innocent life—Pokot, Turkana, or any other community.
Peace cannot be selective. Justice cannot have two faces. Every life matters.