Migori: Understanding the need for interreligious coexistence has brought lasting peace among communities in Migori County. This follows a five-year programme that has brought together leaders from various religious groups to foster tolerance and harmony.
According to Kenya News Agency, Aggrey Amwomo of Chemichemi ya Ukweli (NGO) recalled that there was a time Christians, Muslims, and even non-believers could not sit together, creating divisions that threatened peace in Migori. He noted that frequent misunderstandings often arose because people lacked knowledge of each other's faiths. To address this, the NGO, through the Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA), created forums where members of different faiths meet to discuss peace and the importance of respecting freedom of religion and belief.
'These spaces have helped build trust and encouraged communities to live together in a more harmonious manner,' Amwomo said. Paul Omole, a peace ambassador, explained that the platforms extended beyond interfaith dialogue by offering opportunities to tackle broader community issues. He said leaders used the forums to engage in governance conversations and encourage citizens to play a more active role in shaping their future.
Sheikh Issa Otieno and Agness Odhiambo, both peace actors in Migori, urged the government to use existing religious forums to engage with locals and advance its development agenda. Issa, a Muslim, observed that peace is now a reality in Migori since he can freely walk into a church and interact with Christians without suspicion or hostility.
The peace actors credited interreligious coexistence with transforming community relations and expressed optimism that Migori's model can be replicated across the country to enhance unity and shared development.