Governor pledges continued support for peacebuilding as Gabra and Borana communities revive a 31-year cultural bond to foster reconciliation and social cohesion.
PEACE & COHESION | ASAL POST
NORTH HORR, Kenya – Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting lasting peace, unity and social cohesion, saying his final term in office will remain focused on strengthening harmony among the county’s diverse communities.
The governor made the remarks during the historic Algana-Karayu cultural reunion held at Yaa Algana in North Horr Constituency, where elders, leaders and community members from the Gabra and Borana communities gathered to revive a cultural relationship that had not been observed for more than three decades.
Governor Ali described the reunion as a landmark moment in Marsabit’s peacebuilding journey, saying the event demonstrated that dialogue, culture and traditional institutions remain vital tools for healing divisions and building sustainable peace.
“This is the Marsabit we want to build a county where communities do not live in fear of one another, but in respect, brotherhood and shared prosperity. Our people have suffered for too long because of division, suspicion and insecurity. We must now choose peace, unity and culture as the foundation of our future,” Governor Ali said.
The governor, who is serving his second and final term, said his administration has deliberately prioritized peacebuilding because sustainable development cannot be achieved without security and social cohesion.
He pledged continued support for elders, religious leaders, peace actors and community organizations working to strengthen reconciliation and peaceful coexistence across Marsabit County.
Governor Ali said the reunion between the Algana of the Gabra community and the Karayu of the Borana community represented more than a cultural ceremony, describing it as a symbol of renewed trust, reconciliation and shared identity.
“When elders meet, history speaks. When communities remember their shared roots, peace becomes possible. This gathering proves that Marsabit can overcome its painful past and move forward as one people,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to supporting peace initiatives involving all communities living in Marsabit, including the Gabra, Borana, Rendille, Burji, Sakuye, Garre, Somali, Dasanach and Turkana communities.
Leaders Praise Governor’s Peace Initiative
Leaders attending the gathering commended Governor Ali for making peacebuilding a central pillar of his administration, saying the Algana-Karayu reunion had opened a new chapter in relations between the Gabra and Borana communities.
North Horr MP Wario Guyo and Moyale MP Prof. Guyo Wako described the cultural exchange as a significant milestone in efforts to rebuild trust between communities separated by years of conflict and insecurity.
The legislators noted that the participation of Karayu elders and community representatives from both Kenya and Ethiopia demonstrated a genuine commitment to strengthening cross-border peace and cultural ties.
They recalled that an earlier meeting between Algana and Karayu elders in Yabalo, Ethiopia, had laid the foundation for reconciliation, while the North Horr gathering confirmed that communities on both sides of the border were ready to embrace lasting peace.
The MPs also praised Governor Ali for giving peacebuilding the priority it deserves, noting that meaningful development can only be achieved where communities live together in harmony.
They urged residents to reject hate speech, misinformation and political incitement, warning that insecurity and division undermine development and social progress.
Former MP Calls for Unity and Responsible Leadership
Former North Horr MP Francis Chachu Ganya urged residents to reject leaders who exploit ethnic divisions for political gain and instead support leadership that promotes unity and equitable development.
He applauded Governor Ali for championing inclusive leadership and ensuring fairness in the distribution of county resources and opportunities.
Chachu also called on residents to play an active role in safeguarding peace by refusing to harbor criminals, rejecting divisive politics and working together to strengthen community cohesion.
He reminded residents that the Gabra and Borana communities share deep historical and cultural ties that should serve as a foundation for lasting peace.
MCAs Back Cultural Peace Initiative
Members of the Marsabit County Assembly also praised Governor Ali for supporting the historic reunion, saying his administration had demonstrated genuine commitment to preserving culture as a pathway to peace.
The MCAs emphasized that traditional institutions and elders continue to play a critical role in conflict resolution, particularly in northern Kenya where dialogue has long been used to settle disputes.
They urged residents to protect the gains made during the gathering and ensure that the message of unity spreads throughout Marsabit County and neighboring regions.
Elders Celebrate Revival of a 31-Year Cultural Tradition
Elders who addressed the meeting stressed that the reunion was strictly a cultural and peacebuilding initiative and should not be viewed through a political lens.
They noted that the Algana-Karayu cultural relationship had not been observed for 31 years, weakening historical bonds between two communities linked by shared ancestry.
According to the elders, recurring drought, insecurity and changing social dynamics had gradually eroded traditional cultural systems that once strengthened unity and coexistence.
They recalled that Yaa Algana visited Yabalo in Ethiopia in 2024, where Yaa Karayu promised to make a return visit to North Horr.
The arrival of the Karayu delegation was therefore celebrated as the fulfillment of that promise and a major breakthrough in restoring relations between the two communities.
Community representatives said the reunion allowed elders and residents to revisit their shared history, reaffirm their common ancestry and commit themselves to building a future anchored on peace rather than conflict.
They also urged young people to preserve cultural values, learn from elders and reject violence, emphasizing that lasting peace depends on protecting both heritage and unity.
The historic Algana-Karayu reunion has been widely hailed as a significant milestone in Marsabit’s peacebuilding efforts and a powerful demonstration of how culture, dialogue and traditional leadership can help foster reconciliation and strengthen social cohesion across northern Kenya.
