Turkana Hand Over Livestock to Jie in Landmark Cross-Border Peace Drive

By Richard Onapatum

Kotido, March 8, 2026 — On a bright Saturday at Kalale Nakapelimoru, along the Nakitongo Turkana border, the air was filled with anticipation and solemn hope. The Turkana community of Nakitongo handed over 73 goats and sheep, along with three heifers, to their neighbors, the Jie community—a gesture rich in symbolism, signaling a renewed commitment to lasting peace.

The handover follows the tragic killing of a young Kotido resident and cross-border trader in Turkana County, Kenya, two months ago. Known for facilitating trade between the two communities, the youth supported his family through livestock and commodity exchanges. His death resonated deeply on both sides of the border. Compensation has been provided to his family, an essential step in preventing retaliation and fostering reconciliation.

Historically, disputes over grazing land and livestock have sparked deadly clashes between the Turkana and Jie communities, disrupting trade and livelihoods. Saturday’s ceremony, however, was a deliberate step toward breaking that cycle. Asst RDC Lokwii Peter Abrahams, who closely followed the matter, urged both communities to continue dialogue and embrace peaceful coexistence, while Turkana West MP Epuyo Nanok emphasized the importance of cooperation in trade, security, and community development. Brigade Commander of the 405 Division, Nuwagaba, reinforced the military’s role in ensuring a safe and orderly event.

The ceremony drew government officials, peace actors, and NGO representatives, including the Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA), Peace and Justice Caritas, and Lokado from Kenya. NARWOA Executive Director Jessica Ruth Atta applauded the creation of forums linking local government officials with Kenyan chiefs. “Receiving these animals is symbolic,” she said, “but lasting peace requires ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and active participation of women in decision-making.”

Elders from both communities conducted blessings over the livestock, invoking harmony and safe cross-border trade. Turkana elder Kamana Moru called on the Kenyan government to respond swiftly to disputes, while Jie elder Alinga Lomongin urged disarmament and coexistence among herders. Youth watched closely, learning how reconciliation can transform conflict into opportunity. “These goats and heifers are not just animals; they are a bridge for peace,” one local elder reflected.

The gesture also underscores the economic importance of cross-border trade, a lifeline for families in Kotido and Turkana. To sustain peace, a cross-border peace committee has been established to monitor disputes and intervene before conflicts escalate. Regular dialogue sessions and community meetings are planned to ensure grievances are addressed constructively.

For the communities of Nakapelimoru and Nakitongo, Saturday was more than a ceremony; it was a message of hope. It demonstrated that dialogue, restitution, and symbolic acts can lay the foundation for enduring peace, and that even amidst loss, communities can choose cooperation over conflict.