Peace through football: North Rift communities trade guns for goals

Residents from six counties long scarred by violence — Baringo, West Pokot, Laikipia, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Turkana — came together for a three-day peace tournament aimed at fostering reconciliation and unity through sport.

“I came here because of peace. We want people to live together again like before,” said Napai Ekata, a resident of Turkana. “For us in Kapedo, we now see peace as something very important.”

The tournament, which featured both football and athletics, brought together young people who might otherwise find themselves on opposite sides of longstanding conflicts. On the field, they became teammates and rivals in sport rather than in violence, shaking hands and building bonds of friendship.

“Sports have helped us maintain peace. When we come together like this, even crime reduces,” said Lilian Biwot from Elgeyo Marakwet.

Civil society groups, including Women Voices for Peace under ActionAid, underscored the significance of the initiative. “Communities have been tearing each other apart over resources,” said Jane Labat, the program’s head. “By bringing six counties together, they can reconcile and develop joint projects without hostility. Through sports, they are building lasting friendships.”

Government leaders also rallied behind the peace effort. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged residents to abandon arms, saying, “Surrender the guns; they are of no use. Let’s instead embrace development, culture, and sports so that our youth can prosper.”

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich added: “I have never seen communities dance and play together like this. This is the future we want — where guns are surrendered and development takes root.”