Cohesion and peace messages among Kenyans dominated the Baringo County Music festivals that were held in Kapropita High school with most performers rooting for peace as the country gears towards general election this August.

The festivals dubbed ‘Enhancing National Cohesion Unity and Integration through Kenya Music Festivals’ was characterized with pomp and colour as the performers from various schools in Baringo county taking  to the stage to compete and ultimately urge Kenyans to uphold peace amongst themselves through their pieces.

Ossen High school performed their song ‘Amani’ which is a prayer to God to make them instruments of peace so that they can preach a message of peace to all communities in Kenya so as to integrate coexist in harmony.

On the traditional folk song category, Chemolingot High School from Tiaty Sub County pelted their Pokot traditional song and dance ‘Chepchemosi’ which was sang during rainy season to preach peace and reconciliation among neighboring communities.

Choral verses, Public speaking and Zilizopendwa were among other categories the students performed during the annual event in the school calendar for second term.

The organizing secretary for the Music festivals Michael Tuitoek said the theme is intended to bring unity and integration even as the country heads for election three months from now through music.

“Apart from entertainment, show case of talent and competition in this festival, we are appealing to Kenyans to go to the ballot united more than before. Through the songs which have been presented much of it is aimed at enhancing cohesion which is in line with this year’s theme,” said Tuitoek.

With banditry that has bedeviled parts of Baringo county, Tuitoek rooted for peace among the warring communities living in insecure parts of Baringo North, Tiaty and Baringo South constituencies  saying the festival has displayed coexistence among students who participated in the event.

“We have liked the way the children have interacted today and through this interaction the perception of our learners is slowly changing. There will be a lot of transformation years to come with such events that promote peaceful coexistence amongst the communities constantly at war,” added Tuitoek.

The Festival’s chairman Mr. Chebon Wesley said this year’s event has attracted many participants compared to previous festivals with many participating in folk songs from communities in Baringo.

“If we forge forward like this where we bring together people through music we can eradicate insecurity in this county,” said Chebon.

Kituro high school, Emining High School, Kabarnet Boys High School, Sacho High School, Kapropita Girls High School, Solian High School were among schools that took part in this years’ festival.