NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has challenged Members of Parliament from Baringo County to take advantage of the current parliamentary recess to personally spearhead peace-building efforts in their violence-stricken constituencies.
Addressing the House during an afternoon session, Wetangula acknowledged a detailed report by the Administration and National Security Committee on the state of insecurity in six restive counties.
While the committee noted positive developments in Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, and Marsabit, the Speaker expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Baringo, where deadly clashes and rampant banditry continue to wreak havoc.
“Currently, the area that is experiencing a lot of problems is Baringo. We will be able to give a report to the House immediately after the recess,” said Dido Raso, Vice Chair of the committee.
The Speaker urged local MPs to use their unique connection with constituents—particularly the youth—to foster dialogue, disarmament, and reconciliation.
“Encourage them to stop wielding illegal firearms. It is those young men who vote for you,” Wetangula told lawmakers. “Go and meet them and talk to them, so that as leaders, you also play your role to ensure there is peace within your jurisdiction.”
He singled out youthful legislators such as Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek, urging them to use their relatability and proximity to the youth as a vehicle for peace.
“Your access to them is better than probably Musa Sirma’s and others’. Don’t wait for the police to come from Nairobi—you can also play your part,” he said.
In response, Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma pledged the full support of Baringo MPs, promising a concerted effort to restore calm and security to the troubled region.
“We take your statement very seriously. On behalf of all the members—those present and those not—we shall endeavour to clean up what is the mess within Baringo,” said Sirma.
The call comes as the government continues to face pressure over recurring insecurity in Kenya’s North Rift, where communities have endured years of violence often linked to cattle rustling and historical grievances.
As Parliament breaks for recess, all eyes will be on Baringo’s leaders—and whether they can turn Wetangula’s call to action into meaningful change on the ground.
