In a groundbreaking initiative to promote peace and resilience, the Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (FPFK) has successfully brought together communities along the volatile Kapchebwai-Koguta border through the Muhoroni Peace Resilience Project. The project leverages sports to heal historic divisions caused by tribal clashes between the Luo and Kalenjin communities.
During an inter-community tournament on Saturday, November 23, in Muhoroni, Dr. Clement Oguta Otieno, Bishop of FPFK-Kisumu Region and Chairman of NCCK Kisumu County, commended the role of sports in fostering unity.
“This project has created a platform where we can gather as one community to address issues and foster peace. This region, which has experienced volatility for years, is now enjoying unprecedented harmony. Peace is invaluable—without it, you cannot work or move freely. Through this initiative, we’ve seen remarkable progress,” Dr. Otieno said.
The tournament, which featured soccer and netball matches, brought together men, women, and youth from both sides of the border. It served not only as a sporting event but also as a platform for dialogue, reconciliation, and understanding.
Addressing Root Causes of Conflict
Dr. Otieno identified cattle theft and boundary disputes as the primary triggers of conflict between the communities. He highlighted recent efforts, including the establishment of security installations such as a police station in Thesalia, an anti-stock theft unit at Kapsorok, and a Resident District Officer (RDO) in Songoo. He called for closer collaboration between locals and security agencies to curb crime and build trust.
“Politicians also need to be mindful of their language to avoid inciting violence. As the church, we are actively engaging them on security issues and urging transparency in boundary-related matters to prevent divisions,” he added.
Community Voices Praise FPFK’s Efforts
Joseph Odhiambo, Chairman of the Muhoroni Peace Committee, lauded FPFK’s bravery in uniting the Luo and Kalenjin communities.
“We’ve come a long way from the clashes of the past. People are now marrying across communities, breaking the cycle of division,” he said, urging government support to eliminate cattle theft and further strengthen peace initiatives.
Similarly, Juliet Ouma, a community member, emphasized the importance of sustained efforts. “We are intermarrying, and fighting our neighbors now feels like fighting family. Thanks to FPFK, we’ve seen meaningful change,” she noted, calling for more tournaments to reinforce unity.
FPFK’s Broad Impact
The Muhoroni Peace Resilience Project, coordinated by Malachi Otieno Okumu, is part of a larger strategy involving conflict management and peacebuilding across Kisumu, Nandi, and Kericho counties. The project’s inclusive approach—under the principle of “leave no one behind”—engages all societal groups, ensuring lasting impact.
“Our work extends beyond sports. We aim to empower communities to resist divisive political pressures and become ambassadors of peace,” said Okumu.
In partnership with the Resilience Livelihood Project, FPFK continues to lead efforts that address deep-rooted conflicts, promote coexistence, and empower communities to envision a peaceful future.
As political party polls loom, the initiative serves as a shining example of how grassroots efforts can transform historically divided regions into models of peace and resilience.
