Uasin Gishu’s Peace Pioneer: Mary Njoki Honored for Inspiring Resilience and Reconciliation

By Lucy Wangari

Amidst the recurring waves of political unrest in Kenya’s Uasin Gishu County, Mary Njoki emerges as a steadfast advocate for peace and reconciliation. In the aftermath of the 2007 political turmoil that left devastation in its wake, Mary found herself among those who bore the unbearable loss of her father and brother.

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Determined to spare others from similar anguish, Mary made a profound commitment to championing peace and harmony within her community. Reflecting on her journey, Mary shares, ‘After I lost my father and brother, I didn’t even get the chance to bury my dad. It was so painful, so I decided to be a peace activist because I didn’t want anyone to go through the same pain.’ In response, she spearheaded the formation of 100 women’s groups, fostering mutual support and solidarity.

Through her unwavering advocacy, Mary tirelessly empowers women and girls to assert their financial independence and defy societal constraints. Her message resonates with clarity as she urges, ‘My dear sisters, I urge you to seize control of your financial independence. Too often, we find ourselves reliant on others for our livelihoods, but I’m here to tell you that we have the ability to change that narrative.’ With courage and determination, she inspires individuals to rise above societal stereotypes and pursue their aspirations.

Mary’s resilience and unwavering commitment to building a brighter future have established her as a beacon of hope in Uasin Gishu County, embodying the transformative power of grassroots activism and unwavering dedication to peace.”

In recognition of her steadfast commitment to promoting grassroots peace initiatives,Mary Njoki was recognized by  UN Women.Currently Mary collaborates with local peace actors to advance peace-building efforts at the grassroots level. However, amidst her dedicated endeavors, Mary devotes significant attention to addressing the escalating threat of gender-based violence, which poses a formidable challenge to peace and stability in the region.

In 2022, Mary’s exceptional contributions to peacebuilding earned her presidential recognition, underscoring the impact of her tireless advocacy. Reflecting on her role as a peace actor, Mary emphasizes the necessity of genuine passion and dedication in advocating for peace. Nevertheless, she acknowledges that a lack of resources remains a significant obstacle in advancing peace efforts.

Despite these challenges, Mary’s unwavering resolve and dedication to fostering harmony and reconciliation in her community continue to inspire hope and drive positive change.