For decades, fear ruled the lives of communities living along the volatile borders of Kericho, Nandi, and Kisumu counties — particularly in Muhoroni and Nyakach sub-counties. Violent conflict, fueled by cattle rustling, left a trail of death, injuries, burnt homes, and stolen livestock. At the height of tensions, echoes of war were common as young men roamed the dusty villages armed with machetes, poisoned arrows, and clubs, ready to defend or attack at a moment’s notice.
However, a quiet revolution is reshaping these once-troubled communities. Thanks to the efforts of the Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (FPFK) and its Peace Resilience Program, a wave of transformation is sweeping through the region — turning cattle raiders into barbers and widows into business owners.
From Notorious to Noble: Tambul’s Transformation
When The Kenyan Tabloid visited Tambul village in Tinderet sub-county, Nandi County, a place once described by area Chief William Koskei as the “den of cattle thieves,” it was clear that winds of change were blowing.
“Back in 2012, thieves would drive herds of over 20 cattle stolen from Muhoroni,” Koskei recalled during an interview on Monday, April 14. “I started sensitizing villagers against stealing, warning them that their hard labor would earn them a mere KSh6,000 from the criminal bosses — a pittance compared to the risk and the value of the livestock.”
Changing hearts, however, came with grave risks. Koskei often avoided eating at funerals and shunned the government-issued motorbike known to all, for fear of being poisoned or attacked. At times, he even spent nights away from home. Undeterred, he worked closely with FPFK, buying intelligence from local women — often paying between KSh500 and KSh1,000 — which led to the recovery of stolen cattle.
His perseverance paid off. Today, Koskei proudly states that 35 young men and elders have reformed. “There’s no Luo thief or Kalenjin thief,” he says firmly. “A thief is simply a thief.”
Redemption Stories: Life After Cattle Theft
Among those who have found redemption is Zakayo Kiplagat Tuwei, once considered the most dangerous cattle thief in the area. Tuwei candidly narrated his six-year stint in theft, a life that ended behind bars from 2013 to 2018. His turning point came when he returned home only to find his father dead and buried.
“I turned to cattle theft out of poverty and lack of education,” Tuwei admitted. “But after FPFK’s intervention, I now run a small barber shop in Tambul. No more running. No more fear.”
The 38-year-old lamented the meager KSh6,000 he once earned after dangerous night raids — money often spent drinking, leaving him with nothing but regret.
The Hidden Toll: Widows and Orphans
Beyond the reformed cattle thieves, the human cost of the conflict remains painfully evident among women like Lilian Chepkoech and Josephine Cherotich.
Chepkoech has spent the last decade caring for her late brother’s orphaned children after he was killed stealing cattle in Luo land. Once driven to brewing illegal alcohol to survive, Chepkoech now earns a living as a trained hairdresser, thanks to FPFK.
Cherotich’s husband was killed in 2019 during a cattle raid in Muhoroni. Left to raise three children alone, she turned to menial labor in sugarcane plantations. Today, she dreams of expanding her small salon business with additional support.
“I want to give my children a better life,” she says with determination.
Building Bridges: Women Leading the Peace Charge
Recognizing that women and children often suffer the most during conflicts, a group called Amani Champions has formed, uniting women from Kisumu and Kericho counties. According to member Linet Atieno Okumu, the group — 24 members strong — is focused on conflict resolution and forgiveness.
“We have withdrawn cases filed against attackers and are fostering peace among our communities,” Okumu said. “Enough blood has been shed.”
The Road Ahead: A Future of Hope
According to Victor Rotich, FPFK’s Peace Resilience Field Officer, efforts are ongoing around the clock to curb conflict triggers and cattle theft across border communities. In Chemase, 24 youths have reportedly abandoned crime, choosing a new path.
Meanwhile, Malachi Otieno Okumu, an Assistant Field Program Officer, stressed that cattle theft remains a primary trigger for violence but believes their peacebuilding strategy — identifying both victims and perpetrators for rehabilitation — is yielding tangible results.
“We are focusing on livelihoods,” said Otieno. “Providing alternatives to crime ensures these communities are not just surviving, but thriving.”
A New Dawn
The scars of conflict may still be healing, but the once-constant echoes of war have been replaced by the sounds of scissors clipping hair and sewing machines humming in salons. As Kericho, Nandi, and Kisumu counties turn the page on decades of violence, one thing is clear: peace is no longer just a dream — it is becoming a way of life.
