Peace run to end cattle raids

Cattle in East Africa have been fought over for centuries

Tribesmen in northern Kenya and neighbouring Ethiopia have agreed to take part in a peace run to try to put an end to fighting over cattle.

Young men from six tribes, including Pokots, Samburus, Turkanas and Rendilays, will run between villages and hold talks about ending tit-for-tat cattle raids.

Fighting has intensified in recent years as herders lost animals due to the severe drought in the region.

The Samburu man who has organised the run, David Lokia, says that with recent rainfall alleviating the problem, it was a good time to bring the tribes together to stop cattle-raiding.

Ongoing conflict

Naheem Khalil, who is helping the peace effort, said: "The idea is for young men from among the warring communities to run from village to village to promote the message of peace."

There is ongoing conflict over cattle in Kenyan areas bordering Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda.

Dozens of people are sometimes killed during cattle raids and subsequent retaliatory attacks.

Cattle rustlers traditionally used spears and arrows but now often use firearms.

Cross-border peace talks have had a measure of success in reducing the frequency of cattle raids.