Deputy President William Ruto was, on Wednesday, present to witness history in the making, after he helped secure a peace deal in the war-torn Kerio Valley.
A two-month dialogue process initiated by the DP culminated in the penning of a peace accord, set to bring together communities from Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot and Baringo counties.
The country’s second in command also witnessed the re-opening of Chesegon open-air market, formerly bristling with activities, the marketplace had metamorphosed into a ghostly centre for the last seven years following fatal clashes.
“Today, Kerio Valley has changed from the valley of cattle rustling and death to the valley of hope and peace,” DP Ruto remarked.
He then led the leaders gathered at the market centre in prayer, during which he reiterated the need to forgive and forge a new, more prosperous path to the future, The Standardreported.
“Today we put aside all other activities to witness the peace agreement so that development can begin,” he divulged.
Violent cattle rustling tales had been a mainstay in the area christened ‘the valley of death’, with at least 120 people reportedly killed in just under three years.
DP Ruto urged the residents to abandon the archaic way of living and embrace trade and commerce, for a more sustainable future.
Ruto was accompanied by governors John Lonyang’apuo (West Pokot) and Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo-Marakwet), Senator Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo-Marakwet) and several MPs including Oscar Sudi (Kapseret).
In his address, the visibly joyous DP affirmed that the signing of the accord had officially opened up the area to development projects that had stalled due to constant clashes.