Forgiving while bleeding: Creators of Peace Circles in Mpejot Village, Baringo County-Kenya

Mpejot village Peace Circles brought together 21 women on 16-18 April 2016 representing the Pokot, Tugen and the Endorois communities.Mpejot village is mostly inhabited by the Endorois community who have been forced to integrate with the Tugen community for political reasons. However, this small community went to Kenyan courts to challenge this act and even further to an international tribunal. Later, they were able to regain their identity as the Endorois community. They have greatly suffered as a result of the atrocities that have been happening in Baringo.

Just like we use different means to stop a fresh wound from bleeding, we can stop the flow of anger from an emotional wound with acts of forgiveness and reconciliation. This is the step that Miriam decided to take towards one of her enemies with whom she had a land dispute. She confessed that she was initially not bothered that her rival was ailing, but after the Peace Circles training, she said she would call, forgive and even wish her a quick recovery.

‘Being together in unity is very important. I didn’t know that the power to destroy and mend is in women,’ these were the words of Christine as she encouraged the other women to make it a habit to share their stories and experiences, on the right platform, as she had felt very relieved after sharing hers for the first time ever in her life. ‘This would help people avoid committing suicide, she concluded.

Miriam shared, ‘I never thought that violence beginning from one person could influence the family members or even friends; and the incitements continue to spread until the whole village or community and country is infected by this disease of hatred. Miriam committed herself to be an initiator of peace right where she is so that only good things come from her.  She learnt this lesson from the 'thread' exercise in the introductory session.

Pauline confessed that she had been a bad listener.  After the 'listening to others' exercise, which was full of laughter as women confessed their practise of  bad listening skills, she said that from that day onwards she would practise being an attentive listener. Where she cannot help, then she would refer the person elsewhere or even offer prayers where there is a need.

Irene told a very painful story about her life of how she has suffered for twenty years. It was all about family and when she even tries to seek help from her Chief, it has been difficult because the Chief is part of the group that is out to harass her. She has sometimes been called names that have caused her a lot of bitterness. Irene was in tears as she shared that even though her heart was still bleeding, she had learnt that the first step to restore her family again would start with her. She said that this process would start with her reaching out and forgiving all those who were causing her pain. 

The area Assistant Chief graced the occasion on the last day as the participants graduated  He urged them to be peace ambassadors as he would use them to preach peace in the area, as well as help him solve domestic issues in the community. The women also agreed to meet every first Thursday of every month to share what they have been doing, both as individuals and as a group so as to promote peace in their homes and community.

Report by Mumbi Judy.