Instruments of peace- Peace Circles in Trans-Zoia County, Kenya

‘The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart, and the most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace,’ said one of the 16 women who attended the “what creates or destroys peace” session. It proved to be a major turning point for her during the Creators of Peace Circles in Kitale- Trans-Zoia County on 12-14 May. She realized that she was responsible for the lack of peace and understanding she was experiencing in her own family and on that very day she took a step and decided to go and mend the issues between herself and her husband. She also made a decision to work on correcting her mistakes to ensure that she does not destroy other people’s peace whether physically, emotionally or even socially.

The story sharing session brought tears and encouragement too. Most of the participants shared how discrimination from their in-laws and some by their husbands, as well as abuse by their husbands, are at the root of the lack of peace. After going through the “Inner Peace” session, most of the participants were able to let go some of the pains, hate and humiliations they have been carrying for many years.

Sorofine says she learnt to forgive and to be at peace no matter how much she is wronged. She shared how her father-in-law once attempted to rape her and when she escaped she was threatened that if she ever told anyone about the incident she would be killed. That was the beginning of a life of fear and she was not even able to share this with her husband. Though in the end her marriage did not work, she was happy to share her story for the first time. ‘Without forgiveness, life is governed by endless cycles of retaliation and resentment. I chose to forgive and move on with my life,’ she said.

Going through the “Listening to Others” session, most of the participants confessed to being bad listeners. However, they then promised to work on their listening skills without discriminating on grounds of age, race, tribe or even religion.

On the last day, one of the participants narrated how she had already started changing in her home. She shared that her husband wishes that the three days training could continue for a week so that more change would take place in her and, as a result, in the home too!

Trans-Nzoia County borders West Pokot County where there have been increasing  cases of cattle raiding and killings by the Pokot community. The women requested CoP to help unite women from Kitale and West Pokot as they have recently been at loggerheads. 

The area Chief Charles Namunyu, who came to close the meeting together with Edith Bor from Joyful Organization and Grace Okaalo, a Rotarian (in conjunction with Rise Up Foundation – Kitale), promised to work together with the participants and make sure peace prevails in Trans Nzoia as a whole.

There was joy as the participants were awarded their certificates of participation and as a reminder to them that they had now become peace agents in their homes, community and the nation.

The training was facilitated by Rachel Wamalwa, Ann Gitu and Anastasia Munene.

The Creators of Peace team in Kenya wishes to thank some members of CoP Sydney who financially supported this training.

By Rachel Wamalwa & Annastasia Munene.