Chesegon Hosts Prayers for Peace, Leaders Pledge to Reopen Market Amidst Renewed Call for Unity
Residents and leaders from Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and neighboring Baringo counties gathered in large numbers at Chesegon for a solemn prayer service aimed at sustaining peace in the volatile Kerio Valley region. The event, which brought together local residents, community leaders, and religious clergy, focused on reaffirming the commitment to peace and the restoration of security in the area, which has been marred by years of insecurity due to banditry and intercommunal violence.
The prayers were led by Catholic clergy from Nakuru, Lodwar, and Eldoret dioceses, with Eldoret Bishop Dominic Kimengich at the helm. Bishop Kimengich, speaking to a crowd of worshippers, emphasized the Church’s role in walking alongside the people of the valley on their journey toward lasting peace. “We are here today to pray for the sustenance of the peace that is beginning to take root in Kerio Valley,” he said. “The Church will continue to play its part in ensuring that this peace flourishes, becoming the foundation upon which development and harmony are built.”
In his address, Bishop Kimengich expressed his optimism about the future of the valley, urging residents to embrace unity and collaboration in order to secure a better future for the region. “We must work together to ensure that the peace we are witnessing today becomes permanent. The valley can and must be a bastion of peace and development,” he added.
The prayer service, which attracted both local leaders and residents, also saw participation from leaders in neighboring Baringo County. The presence of various community groups highlighted the shared interest in fostering unity and stability across county borders.
Among the key announcements at the event, West Pokot Governor Wisley Rotich, together with his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart, Governor Simon Kachapin, revealed a landmark decision aimed at revitalizing the local economy and rebuilding social cohesion. The two leaders pledged to work together to reopen the Chesegon market, which had previously been a bustling commercial hub before insecurity led to its closure.
Governor Rotich, addressing the crowd, emphasized the importance of economic renewal in fostering peace. “Chesegon market is a symbol of the vibrant trade and interdependence that once existed between our communities,” he said. “In light of the positive developments in the area, we have decided, together with Governor Kachapin, to reopen this market. A joint committee from both communities will be formed to oversee its reopening and ensure that our people can safely engage in business once again.”
The reopening of the market is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the local economy and reinforce the ties between the communities of Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Baringo, who have long depended on each other for trade and cultural exchange. The closure of the market, caused by frequent insecurity incidents, had taken a toll on the livelihoods of the people in the region, particularly small traders and local farmers.
Governor Kachapin also expressed his support for the initiative, stressing the importance of joint efforts in securing long-term peace and stability. “We must ensure that our people are safe, and that they have opportunities to thrive. Reopening this market is just the beginning, but it represents a critical step toward rebuilding trust and economic resilience in the region,” he said.
The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of peacebuilding and community collaboration in overcoming challenges and ensuring a prosperous future for all. As prayers were offered for the protection and prosperity of the region, there was a collective sense of hope that the valley, once riddled with violence, could soon become a model of peace and progress.
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