In the vast and picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley in Kenya, a longstanding issue has plagued communities for decades – banditry. This criminal phenomenon, encompassing activities such as armed robbery, cattle rustling, and political extortion, has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, including innocent children, women, youths, and security personnel.

Understanding Banditry in the Northern Rift Valley

Banditry in the Rift Valley has deep roots, tracing back to the colonial era when British settlers displaced local communities. In the post-colonial period, efforts were made to combat banditry through increased law enforcement and rural development. However, challenges persisted, fueled by historical tensions, land disputes, political interference, poverty, unemployment, governance issues, and the impacts of climate change.

In many parts of the Rift Valley, banditry is not only a crime but is also deeply ingrained in the culture, passed down through generations. Lack of education exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for individuals to find legitimate employment.

Witnessing Banditry’s Impact

Having witnessed the devastating consequences of banditry during work in Turkana in 2010, I observed firsthand the raiding, killing, and cattle theft between communities. The Pokot community, for instance, raided a village in southern Turkana, resulting in the loss of lives and livelihoods. This experience left an indelible mark on me, prompting action to address the root causes of this longstanding issue.

Plenty4All’s Peaceful Initiative

In 2021, the humanitarian organization Plenty4All embarked on a transformative program – peace awareness education through agriculture farming. This initiative seeks to bring about sustainable change by educating grassroots communities and providing an alternative means of livelihood.

Despite government interventions deploying security forces, banditry persisted, leaving schools closed, children killed, and families displaced. Plenty4All, recognizing the urgency, initiated a program involving 20 people from affected communities in the Northern Rift Valley. This group has now grown to 100, including women and youths, engaging in agriculture farming and peace education.

 

A Holistic Approach to Tackle Banditry

Plenty4All’s approach involves bringing members from affected areas together to farm collaboratively. Currently operating in Baringo, where all five grassroots communities converge, the organization plans to expand this model to the remaining affected regions. By fostering unity through shared farming practices, the initiative aims to address the underlying issues that perpetuate banditry.

 

The holistic approach encompasses not only providing more food to each community but also spreading peace education to every corner of the affected regions. This multifaceted strategy aims to create a lasting impact on the communities grappling with the destructive cycle of banditry.

Conclusion

Pollycap Ogalo, the visionary behind Plenty4All, emphasizes the importance of peace awareness education through agriculture in the fight against banditry. By fostering unity, providing education, and addressing the root causes of this complex issue, Plenty4All envisions a future where the Rift Valley communities thrive in peace and prosperity, leaving the shadows of banditry behind.

 

Author: Pollycap Ogalo

Website: https://www.plenty4all.net/