The Role of Religious in Northern Kenya;Toward a
conversation of Peace, Reconciliaton and Reconstruction
Peace is something that is being spoken all over. It’s very
unique and a struggle that nations have work hard to achievement. From Africa
to America the song is the same. Peace and security is paramount and has been
captured in almost all global conversations And hence nations have not choices
in promoting and advancing these conversations of peace, reconciliation and
reconstruction.
In reconciliation the narratives is different, as result of
lack of peace between man and God, God and Man, Man and Creation there must be
a process to heal the damage and restore the trust, friendship and support. In
the absence of security there is war, conflicts and tensions that part people
from people, community from community and nations from nations. In the tension
mistrust and hypocrisy takes central position. And tensions tears apart the
society fabric that holds everything together in the society.
The process of reconciliation is complex and complicated.
Its complex due to often resistance from the architecture of the violence and
wars. Just as the Old Testament story of Adam, Eve and God was quite complex
and intrigue so is our story today though different in contexts the struggles
and cause is still the same- Sin has permeated all components of human beings.
Sin is in us, sin is with us and sin beyond us. Hence there is so much evil in
a world that was originally characterized by the goodness of God and his
perfectionism in artistic design.
When our first parents disobeyed and wandered from the
original plan of God, there was narrative of reconciliation in order to bring
peace between Adam and Eve, Adam, Eve and God and Adam, Eve and the creation.
There was no peace and everything is groaning due to the coming of sin which
destabilized the creation that was originally well ordered. And in the
state of lawlessness nothing was orderly. Hence the destruction of peaceful
coexistence between man and God was the origin of all other destruction that continues
to happen to human beings. The image and likeness of God was marred and not
necessary destroyed.
In the image of God, man portrays the moral character of
God. In character of God, He is the source of peace. And he wants holistic
peace to human beings. And this only can be actualized when people go to the
basic and engage in serious discussions of the narratives. The conversation
should focus the original state of man, that man is created in all the goodness
of God either morally, emotionally and intellectually and in the original form
he was a man of peace, reconciliation and reconstruction. If these components
are not looked with seriousness then all other conversations would end up on
without frustrations and sense of loss. And in this sense a people of God from
all tribes will pursue peace from a losing ground
And in societies this reality has led to millions of people
being killed and maimed by their fellow human. The creations although original
created perfect and within. People and properties have been destroyed not by
God due to sin of people, but rather by man who was created in the image and
likeness of God, man who possessed the moral and intellectual ability has
turned out to be immoral and lack the ability to lead decisively. To
blame lack of resources, marginalization, advancement in technology and tribal
differences provides man with immediate comfort and leave them with long-term
sufferings.
And hence in our talks whether in a luxurious hotel in
New-York, Hilly One in Nairobi or even in the vast savannah in Northern Kenya,
our conversations should broaden in our quest for authentic process that will
hail peace and finally allow the victims and perpetrators to talk and pursue
reconstruction. Reconciliation can only happen when all actors take their
positions seriously. In admission sin must take the central stage in any meaningful
conversations that are aimed to tackle peace, reconciliation and
reconstruction.
Looking at the continuous intragroup-conflicts among the nomads
of northern Kenya the reality is that sin is in the heart of these conflicts.
It has nothing to do with resources or other secondary factors, the clergy must
gather courage and address the effects of sin all components of humanity. Sin
has infiltrated all components of humanity. When these conversations begin on
sin, then meaningful engagement and discussion of security, peace and
cohesiveness will take place and bear much awaited fruits of unity and purpose.
Toward reconciliation God takes central place. A theology of hope and
tranquility must be seed among the northerners. They desire peace that will affect
their livestock, water, children and women.
Leaders in their journey of reconciliations must be
proactive and engaging. Our ministries as church and organizations among these
people group must be holistic and address all dimensions of peace and
conflicts. God has called us as His followers to be ambassadors of peace in
world torn buy strife amongst others. Provision of political, economical and
other benefits to volatile northern should be anchored on the basics. In
discussions with professions engage in seeking and pursuing peace, have
admitted the need of religious leaders to fully take charge.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has taught and proved to us that the
Church is and can be the channel of God toward these meaningful discussions. In
his positions within the GROUP OF ELDERS, he has earned respect and recognition
for speaking against all forms of oppression and injustices. He has been a
symbol of hope and prosperity.
Our experiences as Samburu and Turkana amongst other northerners
are no different. It just needs a new generation of Tutus and remarkable
leaders to initiate these conversations. The gatherings can be done under an acacia
tree in Baragoi, Nachola, Bendera or even in outskirts of Maralal where it’s
suggested. The women can provide milk as the elders meet, the youth can be
grazing as women meet, and men and women can rekindle the old spark as warriors
meet in the deepest bush.
My hope is we can spur hope, reconciliation and put these
communities in the spotlight and encourage return back to the community in Garden
of Eden. We can speak boldly and freely toward a conversation of PEACE,
RECONCILIATION & RECONSTRUCTION.
