Responding to Deadly Conflicts in Western Kenya

The Transforming Community for Social Change (TCSC) recently hosted a transformative dialogue forum that successfully brought together 47 participants. This diverse group included 19 women and 28 men, representing a broad spectrum of community leadership. Among the attendees were church leaders, opinion leaders, youth leaders, and administrative leaders, including assistant chief and security personnel from the Administration Police. Also present were representatives from Maendeleo ya Wanawake, an organization dedicated to the advancement of women. The forum aimed to deepen the participants' understanding of peace, conflict, and violence, clarify their roles and responsibilities in peacebuilding, and formulate effective strategies for promoting peace within their community.

Deepening Understanding of Peace, Conflict, and Violence

The first objective of the forum was to enhance participants' comprehension of the fundamental concepts of peace, conflict, and violence. Through interactive sessions and expert-led discussions, participants explored the various dimensions of these concepts. The forum emphasized that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but involves the presence of justice, equality, and mutual respect. Participants examined the root causes of conflict and violence in their community, identifying factors such as economic disparities, cultural misunderstandings, and political tensions. This deeper understanding was crucial for recognizing the complexities of peacebuilding and the multifaceted approaches required to address conflicts.

Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities in Peacebuilding

With a solid foundation in the concepts of peace, conflict, and violence, the forum then focused on clarifying the specific roles and responsibilities of different community leaders in peacebuilding efforts. Church leaders were encouraged to use their influential platforms to promote messages of reconciliation and unity. Opinion leaders and youth leaders were identified as crucial in mobilizing community members and fostering a culture of peace through advocacy and education. Administrative leaders, including the assistant chief and security personnel, discussed their roles in maintaining law and order while also being sensitive to the underlying social dynamics that contribute to conflict. Representatives from Maendeleo ya Wanawake highlighted the importance of gender inclusivity in peacebuilding, ensuring that women's voices and perspectives are integral to the process.

Formulating Strategies for Effective Peacebuilding

The final segment of the forum was dedicated to developing concrete strategies for effective peacebuilding in the community. Participants engaged in collaborative brainstorming sessions, resulting in a comprehensive action plan. Key strategies included:

1. Community Dialogues and Mediation: Establishing regular forums for open dialogue where community members can express grievances, share perspectives, and work towards mutual understanding. Trained mediators from the community will facilitate these sessions to ensure constructive and respectful discussions.
2. Peace Education Programs: Implementing educational initiatives in schools and community centers to teach children and adults about conflict resolution, tolerance, and the importance of peaceful coexistence. These programs will also involve workshops and seminars for parents and community leaders.
3. Economic Empowerment Projects: Addressing economic disparities by creating opportunities for income generation and skill development. This strategy aims to reduce poverty, which is often a root cause of conflict, by providing sustainable livelihoods for community members.
4. Inclusive Decision-Making: Ensuring that all segments of the community, especially marginalized groups such as women and youth, have a voice in decision-making processes. This inclusivity fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards maintaining peace.
5. Collaboration with Security Forces: Strengthening the relationship between the community and security forces to build trust and cooperation. Security personnel will receive training in community policing and conflict-sensitive approaches to law enforcement.

Conclusion

The TCSC dialogue forum successfully achieved its objectives, equipping participants with a deeper understanding of peace, conflict, and violence, clarifying their roles in peacebuilding, and formulating actionable strategies to promote peace within their community. The collaborative efforts and commitment demonstrated during the forum highlight the community's dedication to creating a harmonious and resilient environment. Moving forward, the implementation of these strategies will be crucial in sustaining the momentum and achieving lasting peace.

Mt. Elgon has been on the transformation trail from a past that left wounds from a conflict, from a low-income country, challenges will trigger trauma through re-experiencing that has led to avoidance hence breaking family tree. The peace actors played a key role in conflict intervention through Alternative to Violence Project (AVP), Trauma Healing (HROC) and Phycological counselling, interdenominational dialogues and community mediation. In a small village nested on the slopes of Mt Elgon in Kapkosobei village, Her family has been ok until the rains have reminded her family that she can no longer continue to stay in their makeshift shelter cobbled together with rotting wood and leaking grass touched roof, provided little protection against the harsh climate of previously hot sun and currently long rains.

One evening our contact person visited the family and send a very disturbing photo, we came together determined to make a difference, we formed group using WhatsApp platform and started a fundraising drive, pooling resources and expertise to build a new house for her and the children. In one weeks, time we had gathered enough materials because the call for help had already spread and neighbouring villages join in offering their support and encouragement, they worked tirelessly joined in solidarity and compassion, what began as a humble act of kindness blossomed into a communal effort, with peace volunteers lending their time and skills to the cause as they construct a new shelter from the ground up.

With each passing day the house took shape, a tangible symbol of hope rising from the ashes of adversity. She watched in awe as neighbours brought what they could afford, the holes were dug, poles erected and a roof carefully laid overhead. her heart swelled with gratitude knowing that her and children would soon have a safe place to call a home. Tears of gratitude streamed down her cheeks as she embraced her neighbours overwhelmed by their generosity and kindness.

In the days that followed she settled into the new home, their spirits cheered by the love and support of their community. No longer burdened by constant struggle for survival, they dared to dream of a brighter future filled with hope and possibility. 

And so, in a small village of Kapkosobei nestled on slopes of Mt. Elgon a single act of kindness sparked a ripple of change that transformed live and renewed faith of compassion and community. For her and the Children, their journey was just beginning, fuelled by the unwavering belief that together anything is possible

“As and mother, facing the daunting task of providing shelter for my family felt like an insurmountable challenge. However, your unwavering support and willingness to lend a helping hand have turned our dreams into reality. From the moment you came together to offer your assistance, I knew we were not alone in this journey. Thanks to your collective efforts, we now have a beautiful, safe, and secure place to call home where my children and I can thrive and build a future filled with hope and possibility. Your kindness has not only provided us with a roof over our heads but has also restored our faith in the power of community and the inherent goodness of humanity”