The government has opted to use sports to tackle banditry in the North Rift that has for years left a trail of deaths, injuries, and stolen livestock.

The Commander of Operation Maliza Uhalifu, Brigadier Alex Kiraguri, said that sports bring together tribes to foster unity and cement peaceful coexistence among them. 

A three-day sports event was held in Chemolingot, Tiaty, Baringo County, organised by security personnel.

Kiraguri stated that 28 teams drawn from Baringo, Samburu, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Laikipia, and West Pokot participated in the tournament, which commenced on Wednesday last week.

“The tournament helps in reinforcing the collective commitment towards ending insecurity in the region,” he added. 

The officer said the tournament theme, “Run, Dance, Play and Pray for Peace”, resonates well in bringing together communities to foster peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion through sports and cultural exchange.

He called upon the youth to take advantage of the tournament in sharpening their skills, social skills, and work in achieving peace.

The military officer stated that the teams had played against each other until the quarter finals, then they were mixed up to have a unified team.

The idea, he added, was to have a unique final, where the team had a mixture of players from all six counties.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen regretted that the smuggling of illegal firearms has remained a menace in the region, calling for gun holders to surrender them to avoid forceful disarmament.

“We caution the professionals and the businesspeople who sell ammunition and firearms: your days are numbered. If you don’t stop, we will stop you. We want to get rid of banditry in the region,” he added.

Lilian Biwott from Elgeyo Marakwet said that sports create a friendly atmosphere among her neighbours.

She stated that the unity exhibited in the tournament has helped ease the tension that has created animosity among the conflicting communities.

“The play brings us together; we have been living in fear of retaliation. With the interaction, the tension seems to have decreased,” she said.

Jane Labat said that the use of sports as an alternative to solving conflicts will bring cohesion and reconciliation in the North Rift.

“I’m here because of peace. We used to live and coexist with our neighbours, but things have changed. Peace is paramount,” said Napai Ekata.

Ekata said he participated in male sports, and he has felt the importance of peace after interacting with players from different communities.

“Sports bring people together, and when people come together, it means there is peace,” he added.

In the past, he stated that communities used to live together in peace, but things changed following the emergence of guns.