Peace Gathering
Ron traveled recently to Kotido, in northeastern Uganda, to accompany a new MCCer to her 1-year service location. Kotido is in the northern part of a large region bordering Kenya known as Karamoja and populated by people known as Karamajong.
While there he was privileged to attend a traditional gathering to celebrate 8 months of peace — absence of cattle raiding — among 4 related clans, the Jie, Dodoth, and Matheniko (all Karamajong from Uganda) and the Turkana from Kenya. The gathering was held under a large Ajale tree that has been used for such purposes dating back to the early 1900’s.
In addition to celebrating the current period of peace, speeches were given and songs were sung about the need for a peaceful future and commitments were made for it to continue. Many of the elders interacted with the speakers offering their observations, complaints, and suggestions. At one point some of the elders joined the youths in their dances that include a lot of rhythmic stomping and high jumps in the air.
August 28th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
How I wish more people could come together more often to celebrate”small” peace victories. Looking at the pictures, I noticed that those young men most likely to be the age to compete in cattle raids are lined up in the dance. It looks also as if the women had a large role in this event. Such reports gladden my heart.
September 2nd, 2011 at 6:29 am
What a great opportunity to be part of the peace celebration!