The Role of Religious Leaders in Northern Kenya;Toward a conversation of Peace, Reconciliaton and Reconstruction

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.