The much-awaited 1000 kilometer walk from Garissa’s Tana River to Border Point One in Mandera today kicked off at Garissa amid fanfare. The match of hope is first of its kind in the region.
Speaking to Wajir Times, the lead activist, Salah Sheikh Abdi said they aim to attract the attention of the government and Kenyans to the suffering of the people in North Eastern Kenya.
Salah exuded confidence that the campaign would achieve its intended purpose of creating awareness.
The activists rallied their call through a twitter hashtag #walkofhope that was virally retweeted.
At 7 in the morning, participants were ready for the flag-off as residents cheered them.
The group has already raised 27, 000 Kenyan shillings after they set up an Mpesa pay bill number.
We talked to activist Salah Abdi Sheikh about the march and these were his responses.
Wajir Times: Why did you decide to do this now?
This initative has never been timely as the governmental services in the region have collapsed. Education sector is in trouble while hospitals lack staff.
We heard you are planning to make stopover at all villages along the journey?
Yes, we will sleep in villages. We will visit schools, hospitals, community centers and farms. We will talk to them and hear from them, too.
And what will be that one thing that will keep you going? As in, what will motivate you to go on with the walk since the stretch of land you plan to cover is wide?
We are in pursuit of Hope for our people. That should keep us going. That will be our motivation.
A lot of people say the initiave is unrealistic, that 1000km trek is unthinkable. What do you have to say to them?
I have not heard any person say that. And besides, there’s nothing unrealistic about walking 1000KM since our people do it without fanfare.
Lastly, any support you’ve received so far from any quarter, whether governmental or non-governmental?
We have received support from Kenya Red Cross who will be providing Ambulance and First Aid Services. We also received other support from individuals we have highlighted on our social media platforms.
