MOUNTAIN L&L VISIT CHEPKITALE INDIGENEOUS PEOPLE

[lord]

During one of our numerous virtual meetings with one of the grantees, we reached a point where we could not technically connect online with some community right holders who are far away from western Kenya. We hurriedly planned for a face to face meeting to be ready for the ‘global development of the practices’ meeting which was to take place the following week. Part of the preparation was devoted to work on our logistical requirements. After timely support from The Constellation through Link and Learn, we proceeded on to share our agenda and schedule with both team leads from The Constellation and grantees. The meeting was for 2 days, planning and traveling. On the second day, we met the host and the community champions popularly known as Mappers.

On arrival we were met by the host in a town called Kitale where we had our brief meeting on the events, community dynamics, assigned roles, responsibilities, and the location terrain. Early the following day, my colleague accompanied by the host team started our journey as early as 8 am. It was a 2hrs drive by road then 3hrs up the hill on a motorbike. Due to poor roads and few riders available, we hired a few bikes available and also booked them to take us back. An interesting part is that the riders who are part of the community were notified earlier by the host and they checked and assured the visitor's safety. After a 3hrs ride, we safely reached the mountain. We were received by Mercy and Collins, young people dedicated to giving back to their community from their expertise in different lines of education. 

The group was so happy to see and meet us. My teammate was not wearing heavy clothing. One community member suggested that, next time, he would put on five raincoats. That was hilarious, not knowing that he comes  from the east, which is hot and dry. They quickly ushered us in the office for a few signing of the visitors’ book and introduction. Collins and Mercy took us around the center as we had chit-chat about the center's unique set up, cultural inspiration on their houses, a range of activities, and their expectations. We asked what keeps them going. Mercy said: “Our men are really supporting us women. They allow us to share our feelings whether positive or negative. This is a place I have known since my childhood as home and that’s why historically I believe it’s my home as much as the administration thinks otherwise.” They understand it’s not about the land or forest it’s about the resources available on their land. During the sharing and learning of the dream, when we showed the dream tree, one member asked us  where the people were in their local dream picture. We asked why he asked. He said nobody recognizes us but since the dream is theirs we need to put their representation. After seeing the global dream picture, it was all smiles. He saw all kinds of people. He felt represented. Another one saw the darkness behind the global dream picture and he said that the tree shines in darkness. Their dream will shine even during hard times.

We shared with them, as a tip, the Visual Journey as a way of sharing their inspiring stories with the world through their own or community lens. One of the members called Rodgers said he worked outside their village, in the forest, but realized that there is no better place for him than back in the forest. They are not allowed to grow any crops or vegetables, only rearing cattle. They are living mostly in temporary plastic shelters that they call home. People there have learned to stay together, some with small business, kiosks. Their cattle knows the time to go back home when it gets dark. The dogs are trained to shepherd stray animals.  At the end, we were asked to come with a lady during our next visit for gender reasons. 

Their ladies are carrying out beads and basketry with available free materials, the men are doing brick making using a machine from a well-wisher as part of income generating activities. Some are doing bee keeping and herbal medicine. We appreciated their work on mapping their community and the fight for a place in education by building schools and determination to bring change on the mountain. They have co-existed with wild animals peacefully and abide by law on conservation of environment. They said it was their first time to have a meeting where they were allowed to share their feelings and visions. Some who did presentations were happy to show both their leadership skills and knowledge. At the end, we had a reflection in which we were told to prepare for the next time to come for a long time. We had lunch together as we shared our good moments and connection. Seeing is believing... Thanks Peter and your entire team of CIPDP for the welcome. Challenges make one strong and the CIPDP is a united strong community full of surprises. “We are like cedar trees, no termites will touch us,” said Leah, a young lady volunteering in the group. “We know our strength,” added Lilian, one of the team leads. “Through mentorship and community history, we will always get justice in the future,” said David, village elder. 

“We have a bus named Chepkitale Dream Express coach. We have enough space for all of us. Welcome. Let’s go to the mountain.” On the way back the muddy path made the trip exciting, passing through bamboo with a bike was quite amazing. Their mud guest house is so warm and breathtaking canopy, birds without phone network: it’s all you need during Pherelia session. Remember: first thing you will be served hot coffee or tea.

 

Reported by

Lordy/Anthony L&L facilitators Kenya

[Marie Lamboray]

Thank you for sharing, Lordy!