Creators of Peace Circles in Kakamega, Vihiga County.

Creators of Peace was invited to Kakamega, Vihiga County as from 13-15 August, 2014 to run a Peace Circles for eighteen women who were interested to know how to become peace creators. The invitation and preparations were made by Florence Kangai (Giraffe Heroes Award winner 2014),  who was impressed and touched by Peace Circles training that had taken place in Eldoret. She was convinced in her heart that women from her village should also get an opportunity to experience how to be a peace creator. 

It was a challenge for these women to balance between the Peace Circles training and personal duties since many of them are self-employed and bread winners for their homes. At the end of the day their children were expecting them to bring home food.  We had to adjust our time tables in a manner that has never happened before. We had to wake up at 4am, gather together in a local church so as to start by 5am and run till 9:00am covering three sessions. The women would then leave to go and open their business and come back at 2pm to 4.30pm for the 'Story Sharing' session. Needless to say, this called for a lot of sacrifice, dedication and commitment from both the participants and the facilitators. 

Most of the concerns identified by the women were alcoholism which led to poverty, high levels of illiteracy and cattle rustling. Esther, one of the oldest participants in the group, shared the pain of burying all of her twelve children and her husband. She now has to take care of her grandchildren and could not hide her joy in knowing how to become a peace creator. ‘I have never heard of Creators of Peace before.   It is the first time I have been taught how to be a peace creator and I will not hesitate to share this message of peace with my grandchildren!’

‘I understand you cannot give what you do not have. I have been unhappy and developed high blood pressure, but now I understood the importance of inner peace and choose to find peace within myself,’ said Jessica. Her youngest daughter ran away from home and she has never been able to trace her.

‘This is the first time I am sharing my story in public. I feel lighter than before, as I was carrying people who had wronged me in my heart. Creators of Peace Circles have done me well.’ expressed Susan.

To grace the closing of the training and to issue certificates was Mr. Noah Mmbwanga, Member of County Assembly in Vihiga County and a Giraffe Hero award winner 2014.  He appreciated and commended the work being done by Creators of Peace.  ‘This is a great initiative and should not end here. I challenge you who have been trained to pass on the message of peace to those who haven’t had an opportunity to be here,’ he said. Noah had actually been identified by the women as a role model in that community for his commitment to bring peace and unity by, among other things, ensuring the cattle rustlers are caught and taken to court.

It is with much appreciation and humility that we wish to thank the Irene Prestwitch (IPT) for the financial support that made this Creators of Peace possible.

 By Mediatrix Masava and Ann Gitu.