Gabra and Dasanaach Sign Historic Peace Pact, Ending 160 Years of Conflict in Marsabit County
The Gabra and Dasanaach communities in Marsabit County have officially come together to sign a peace agreement, putting an end to nearly 160 years of intense conflict and violence that has affected Kenya’s largest constituency by land area.
This declaration, made in Illeret, North Horr, is being celebrated as a significant milestone towards reconciliation, healing, and collaborative development.
Central to this agreement is the establishment of a Joint Resource Sharing and Peace Committee. This bipartisan group will be responsible for ensuring fair access to resources, mediating conflicts, and providing grassroots solutions to disputes before they escalate into violence.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, who oversaw the signing, referred to it as a “generational turning point” that has the potential to reshape the future of the region.
“What we are witnessing today is much more than the signing of a peace declaration,” Dr. Omollo said.
The two communities have made a courageous choice to end the cycle of violence and bloodshed. Let’s ensure this agreement isn’t just a collection of words on paper, but rather a genuine, lasting solution to the decades of conflict that have taken countless lives and devastated property over five generations.
The agreement comes at a crucial moment as the government ramps up grassroots efforts to bring stability to regions that have historically faced volatility.
The local Catholic Church has taken the lead in the peace process, working alongside the national government and North Horr MP Wario Guyo.
Dr. Omollo praised the community’s dedication and emphasized the government’s promise to ensure that the peace agreement moves beyond just a ceremonial gesture.
“This has been a journey of open dialogue, courage in the face of deep-rooted grievances, and the collective wisdom of our elders and youth,” he said.
“As a ministry, we are fully committed to supporting these grassroots peace structures – not just with statements, but with real resources, technical support, and long-term collaboration.”
The new peace committee is built on the principles of the Modogashe Accord, which effectively put an end to the inter-ethnic conflicts along the Garissa-Wajir border.
Dr. Omollo pointed out that this Gabra-Dasanaach agreement could act as a model for fostering peace in other areas that are prone to conflict.
To bolster security following the truce, the government has sent in 18 National Police Reservists (NPRs) to assist local initiatives. A comprehensive review will be conducted later to assess whether more personnel are necessary for ensuring long-term stability.
Dr. Omollo also took this opportunity to encourage Kenyans to engage in peaceful dialogue when addressing disputes, especially in light of the recent unrest seen across the nation.
“Let us emulate the Gabra and Dasanaach communities in choosing dialogue over division and peace over violence,” he said.
The signing ceremony brought together a diverse group of attendees, including Marsabit Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo, Eastern Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich, Secretary for Peacebuilding and Conflict Management Mohamed Barre, along with hundreds of community members from both sides.
Gabra and Dasanaach Sign Historic Peace Pact, Ending 160 Years of Conflict in Marsabit County
