Men as Creators of Peace – Follow-up Meeting in Nairobi Kenya

‘Creators of Peace Circles revived my dead energy’ said Pamela Ndalo who was among the 15 participants who took part in the first follow-up meeting in Huruma estate, Nairobi in May. Of the 15 participants invited from various CoP trainings that were done between 2013 to 2015, four of them were men.

Pamela Ndolo has gone a step ahead and stuck messages of peace on all her neighbours’ doors. ‘Peace is a process and I am going to use all means within my capacity to pass on the message both verbally and in actions,’ she said.

This follow-up meeting was a clear indication that men can actually benefit and be transformed by the Peace Circles programme in its current format. It was very encouraging to hear how it had positively changed their lives. When Catherine and Kennedy attended the CoP training, they were enemies and could not see eye to eye. ‘We can now sit together and we are best of friends’ Catherine proudly said, seated next to Kennedy. ‘We now work together in the community and were it not for the Peace Circles programme, we wouldn’t be here,' she continued.

Kennedy, a former police reservist and now a village elder, has become a associated with peace in his village. He previously had a very bad relationship with his cousin because of a land dispute they had. He had made a decision to arm all his sons and together attack his cousin and he had actually bought machetes for each of them. Just prior to the attack, he was invited to attend the CoP training. This marked a major turning point in his life and he let go the anger and motives of revenge.

Sadly his cousin’s son died as a result of a car accident in Nairobi .Kennedy used this tragedy to extend love to his cousin. He took care of all the things that were supposed to be done for the deceased and used his own car to transport the body to the village for burial - a deed that was unbelievable. His cousin could not believe it and for the first time in years they shook hands. During the burial ceremony Kennedy addressed the mourners and shared his story, urging them to love one another and co-exist peacefully. He says he left people talking about his story as an example of family unity.

‘Peace means surrender and you have to be willing to be a good example,’ says Juma who has been talking to his fellow businessmen on how they can trade peacefully and without corruption. He said  that he has learnt that before he can talk of corruption at national level, he must first deal with it on his own premises as well as help his friends.

By way of recommitting themselves to being peace creators, they all recited a peace pledge which was followed by a candle lighting ceremony to signify that they are the light in their families and community too.

The Creators of Peace Kenya wishes to thank Irene Prestwich Trust Fund (IPT) and Friends of Africa Fund (FoA) who financially supported this meeting.

By Mumbi Wambugu & Annastacia Munene

Photo Credits - Mbindyo Kimanthi