In Support Of Kainuk Widows And Orphans

Photo credit: Loito Titus.

Peace campaigners should avoid engaging in endless, unfruitful talks. The silence of victims of banditry ought not to be taken for granted. Materialization of peace talks is what counts in the eyes of victims. Seminars, retreats, prayer rallies, peace caravans, et al only serve to diffuse the pain of these people for a short time. It does not respond to their long term aspirations.

The footprints of criminal attacks, popularized as banditry, are visible. The cry of those walking this path is growing louder and louder. Widows, orphans, and widowers are lonely and unsupported. Cemeteries are full and scars on survivors' bodies can even outcompete those inflicted on World War II fighters.

When will we acknowledge the presence of these human beings? Do they really matter?

The other day I read a note by a concerned friend of mine on what he describes as the unmitigated condition of orphans and widows of Turkana. Though he didn't explicitly point out why this condition remains unattended to, I felt that the general misinformation as regards victims of tribal wars, diseases and other causes has reduced my people to a level of being spectators in what should be a communal responsibility.

This misinformation stems from the feeling that since government has forsaken them, they have nowhere to run to but to confine to their individualistic instincts. That many years of collective advocacy have paid nothing hence the need to drop it and adopt a more "personal" way.

Evidently, every member of this community has felt the pinch of these ills – directly or indirectly. While this would ideally energize them to rise up and (to) collectively redefine their destiny, their response is quite discouraging. Desperation has taken over. Now, unlike before, it is everybody for himself.

Total mess. Orphans and widows are left to wonder aimlessly. Poor people. A pointless future.

As expected there is an upsurge in the number of street children. With this comes a bunch of exploitative beings who see in these poor children loyal, cheap labour and not human beings who ought to be in school and possibly enjoy the warmth of a good-hearted guardian. 

Meanwhile, the Church is busy playing a peripheral role. Condemning and praying with little hands-on-the-victims intervention.

On the other end, widows have resorted to "selling" their bodies to secure a few coins to put food on the table. Of course, this comes at a risk. Diseases, unwanted pregnancies and renewal of another cycle of poverty come to mind.

Yet with all these markings, our peace campaigners and "development partners" find it fit to expend more dollars and time in hotels to discuss peace and community development. When will we begin acting on the sidelines of these talks?

Here are some views I gathered from Kainuk widows. One, a Banditry Memorial Public Square/Park be put up in Kainuk township to put paid their tears and blood of their husbands. Two, widows be offered training and seed money to start businesses. (With this I think Bunker Roy's idea of "barefoot colleges" comes in handy. Check:  http://www.ted.com/talks/bunker_roy?language=en) 

Three, boarding primary schools be opened in all corners of Turkana County to absorb orphans. As a reminder, you need to know that food plays a greater role in retaining kids in class in this oil county. This is why I think these widows are really passionate about boarding schools.

Four, it costs nothing to protect orphans and abandoned children from exploitation. The following are some of the questions raised by these mothers: Where are authorities? Why do they seem indifferent to the plight of these children who dot hotels and bars in Kainuk, Lokichar, Lodwar and other towns in Turkana?

Are these demands too difficult for a well-oiled peace campaign machinery to implement? Time we transformed our talks to action.

Lemukol Ng'asike is an architect. Twitter:  @mlemukol.