The International Day of Peace is commemorated across the world, every year on 21st of September. It is a day that was set aside by the United Nations General assembly for everyone around the world to devote to keeping peace, despite any differences they may have, as well as play a part in building a peace culture that will last for generations to come.
The Commission led the country in celebrating the International Day of Peace by holding celebrations in various parts of the Country: Nandi-Kakamega, Narok, Mandera, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nairobi. This year’s theme was “Shaping Peace Together”.
In Nandi-Kakamega region, the Commission partnered with United Nations Development Programs (UNDP Kenya), USAID Kenya, Family Health International (FHI 360), SADES-K, KASH Consortium, Champions of Peace among other partners in the celebrations for International Day of Peace in Tabolwa, Nandi County. The celebrations aimed to observe 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire with the warring Kabras and Nandi Communities and a call to abandon their weapons and focus on the battle against unprecedented COVID-19 global pandemic. County Governors, Hon. Stephen Sang of Nandi and Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya of Kakamega were joined by other political leaders to witness the signing of a Peace Accord for lasting peace at the borders between the two counties which is a major achievement in the peace building front.
NCIC Chairman Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia and Commissioner Eng. Philip Okundi were joined by Chief of Party FHI360, Ms. Phyllis Ombonyo among other dignitaries in the signing of peace resolutions by Governors and Deputy Governors from the Lake Region Economic Block, Vihiga, Kisumu and Kericho Counties.
In Narok County, the celebrations were commemorated at Oloshapani grounds.
The NCIC team was led by Commissioner Sam Kona and was joined by Narok County Commissioner Evans Achoki, MPs, Senators and national assembly committee on national cohesion. During the celebrations, 4,100 arrows, 1,600 bows and 13 spears surrendered by warring Kipsigis and Maasai communities were destroyed in a bonfire to symbolize a return and maintenance of peace in the area. The event was concluded with a football match between the Maasai and the Kalenjin communities.
In Mandera, Commissioner Hon. Abdulaziz Farah led the Commission in partnership with Interpeace to celebrate the day. They engaged youth who presented peace poems and songs, held a peace baraza, carried out a tree planting activity and later flagged off the Mandera County Peace Marathon at Lulis Village, Banisa Sub-County. The winners of the marathon were awarded with trophies.
In Lodio Bridge at the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo Counties, the celebrations brought together Pokot and Marakwet Youth. The Commission team led by Comm. Hon. Dorcas Kedogo engaged both sides in bush clearing exercise at Chepsongoch-Tilingwo Road. The road linking Marakwet and Pokot communities was also opened.
Commissioner Wambui Nyutu OGW and Commissioner Dr. Danvas Makori represented the Commission in the Nairobi celebrations that took place in Olympic Primary School in Kibera and Undugu ground, Mathare.
In his address, NCIC Chairperson Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia urged the country to cultivate the culture of peace to replace the devastating culture of violence, respect of the law and tolerance for divergent opinions.
Kakamega Governor, H.E. Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya (Right), Nandi Governor H.E. Hon. Stephen Sang (left) and NCIC Chairman Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia during the signing of Peace Accord between Nandi and Kakamega Counties on International Day of Peace celebrations in Tabolwa, Nandi County on 21st September, 2020.