Education key to peace efforts in West Pokot, Janet Museveni says

First Lady Janet Museveni speaks to journalists. Photo/FILE  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Mrs Museveni and Kenyan leaders from West Pokot called for peaceful coexistence.
• Cattle rustling is rampant among Kenya’s Turkana and Pokot and Uganda’s Tepesi and Karamajong pastoralists.

By MERCY TUMKOU
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Education will end the conflict between communities living in Kenya and Uganda, First Lady Janet Museveni has said.

At the weekend, Mrs Museveni and Kenyan leaders from West Pokot called for peaceful coexistence.

“If you don't focus on infrastructure like hospitals and schools, who will attend to you people?

“We do not want to employ people from outside. You should go to school and serve your community,” she said.

CATTLE RUSTLING

She was speaking during a fundraiser at Pokot Secondary School in Amudat District, Northern Uganda.

Cattle rustling is rampant among Kenya’s Turkana and Pokot and Uganda’s Tepesi and Karamajong pastoralists. (READ: Tension at Kenya-Uganda border over rustling)

Kenyan leaders led by Senator John Lonyangapuo reiterated the importance of education and assured the First Lady that it is a priority.

“The residents of Pokot are ready and willing to go to school, and we therefore request the First Lady to build more schools in Amudat to accommodate the Pokot child and especially the girl child,” said Prof Lonyang’apuo.

Amudat MP Micah Karerkong also urged the Pokot community to maintain peace with their counterparts in Turkana.