Creators of Peace Circles in Nandi County - Kenya
‘For the three days that I have been here, I have learnt that there is no alternative to forgiveness, in fact forgiveness is the only thing. The workshop has taught me that holding grudges is like welcoming someone I hate to have a free ride in my house at my expense.’ These were the remarks made by Margaret after participating in the Creators of Peace Circles in Nandi Hills South from 11-13 September bringing together 18 women. The meeting with the participants from Nandi County in the Mugen Friends Quakers was yet another wonderful time of interaction.
Geographically, Nandi South borders the former Rift Valley and Western provinces before the county system came into existence with the new constitution. The habitants of these areas are mostly Luhyas and Kalenjins. The Kalenjins here still practice cattle rustling which results in the Luhyas herds being stolen. In the 90’s, the cattle rustling caused a lot of clashes between the two tribes resulting in deaths, torching of houses and people being displaced. The unhealed scars and wounds were made worse by the 2007 /2008 post election violence.
As the training progressed, the women poured out their hearts one by one and shared about the transformation that was taking place in their lives. ‘I have this neighbour. We haven’t been talking for quite some time due to misunderstandings. But this training has transformed my heart and when this neighbour came to my house yesterday and asked me to escort her to an occasion, my heart was open to her. I couldn’t join her because of this training but I gave her my daughter to go with her. I am now a changed person, thanks to this workshop,’ said Agnetta, a mother and grandmother.
Evelyn Evayo was bitter because her husband married a second wife and she felt like his attention shifted more from her to the co-wife. To Evelyn, this was an injustice and they have not been on good terms (both with her husband and the co-wife). After the session on ‘the power of forgiveness’ she wrote a letter to her husband asking for forgiveness. She has let go of her bitterness towards him and the co-wife.
Beatrice Kibigo, a polytechnic teacher, said that she had received great healing, but she knows of very many others out there who need this kind of what she termed ‘therapy’. She therefore suggested that the whole group plan on how we (facilitators) could go back again with their (Mugen Women) and help many other souls to get healing.
The workshop ended with a very colourful graduation ceremony that was graced by the area Chief Mr. Joseph Kipyego. Together the women agreed to go to churches, community meetings and other relevant places and help pass the message of peace further into the interior of Nandi South County.
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.
Report by: Esthermarrie Inzekellah and Mediatrix Masava.