Peace ambassador Mary Kanyaman, who was killed by bandits last month, was buried on Saturday at her home in Juluk village, Turkana Central.
Kanyaman, 43, was one of 11 people killed by suspected Pokot bandits in Turkana East on September 24, including eight police officers, a chief, and a civilian.
The former Samburu county health executive had mobilized Lokori security officers to recover livestock stolen by bandits.
Armed bandits ambushed and killed them in Namariat, near Kakiteitei village.
Kanyaman, a proponent of peace, education, and community land, wished for peace among Turkana, Pokot, Samburu, and Tugen.
Before she was killed by the bandits, she sent a WhatsApp message on September 24, at 1.44 p.m, in a WhatsApp peace forum saying, “I’m dying as a result of excessive thirst. Give me water please.”
Another message from her was in the wee hours of the morning, “Help us, help us. Kamuge, Ngilukia help us… Riet village has been attacked, please help us, come to our rescue.”
She was survived by her widower, David Lokemer, and four children.
Mourners honoured Kanyaman as the voice of the community and a heroine of peace, led by Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai and his Samburu counterpart Governor Jonathan Leleliit.
“Kanyaman was a committed peace crusader who yearned for peaceful coexistence in Suguta Valley. Unfortunately, she lost her life in a cruel manner in the hands of cold blooded bandits,” Lomorukai said.
Kanyaman was described as courageous and dedicated to her job as a county executive by Governor Leleliit.
He assured Governor Lomorukai of Samburu county’s willingness to work with him to achieve peace between the Turkana and Samburu communities.
