Kerio Valley in Elgeyo Marakwet County has often made global headlines, unfortunately, for the wrong reasons. The region has been plagued by persistent banditry, fueling widespread insecurity. The recent killing of Catholic priest Father Allois Bett in Tot, Marakwet East Sub-county, is just one in a long line of tragic events. It is estimated that over 1,000 lives have been lost in the valley due to these violent acts.
However, amidst the darkness, a new story of hope is emerging.
For 29-year-old Benson Moshon, a former bandit from West Pokot County, life has taken a dramatic turn. After witnessing the devastating effects of cattle rustling which claimed the lives of some of his own family members, Moshon chose to abandon the path of violence. Instead, he embraced athletics as a tool to promote peace and personal transformation.
“I realized I could run really well while chasing stolen cattle across Kerio Valley,” Moshon shared with Cape Media Digital during an interview in Iten, where he is currently training. “But now, I’m a reformed bandit. I no longer run and hide from authorities I run towards becoming a better man.”
Moshon, who scored a B plain in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), is now advocating for young people to pursue peace through sports instead of engaging in retrogressive practices like cattle rustling and violence.
His coach, Daniel Ng’etich, recounted how Moshon approached him in 2023 through a Good Samaritan who found him stranded in Iten. Since then, he has shown remarkable progress in the 10,000-metre road race.
“Moshon is a disciplined athlete with great potential,” Coach Ng’etich said. “With the right support, he can go far.”
Ng’etich believes that sports can play a major role in reforming the youth of Kerio Valley. He urges the government to invest more in this underserved region and to nurture talents in areas such as athletics, football, and even archery, skills that are often overlooked, yet thrive in the harsh conditions of the valley.
Fellow athletes training with Moshon in Iten, famously known as the “County of Champions,” vouch for his transformation. They believe that with the dedication he continues to show, he has a bright future ahead in athletics. Ezekiel Keter said.
Written by, Fabian Kibet
