Reformed bandits turned into athletes in Turkana

Over 200 reformed bandits and youths from parts of Turkana and Pokot Counties have been targeted for recruitment by Athletics Kenya (AK) and the Turkana County Government.

The mega talent drive was conducted in the seven Turkana sub counties to tap into sporting talent with the aim of giving residents alternative livelihoods in sports away from pastoralism.

The idea came about after realizing peace had prevailed in the area and ills such as cattle rustling are no longer practiced, leaving the warriors with no occupation as they had dedicated their lives to the vice.

The initiative was spearheaded by two renowned international world athletes, John Kelai and John Ewoi, who also hail fromTurkana after they saw that the relative peace being experienced in Turkana left former bandits with nothing to do.

The two seek to sharpen the youths’ skills in sports.

The major sporting event brought reformed bandits from Kapedo and Lokori, Kainuk and Sarmcah, areas inhabited by the warring communities of Pokot and Turkana.

The games have so far been conducted in Turkana South, Turkana East, West, Central, Loima and North.

According to Peter Ekunoit who is the athletics Kenya Chairman in Turkana County, the association will pick the best performers to go and train in Iten.

Titus Ekiru, the sub county administrator in Turkana, said his area saw unique performers who included uneducated women who turned up for the occasion where long races, short races and field events was also practiced.

Over 20 athletes are expected to be taken to Iten camp for rigorous training come next month.

By Emmanuel Cheboit