Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival, A Bid To Promote Peaceful Co-Existance Among Ateker Communities

Turkana County is set to host local and international visitors for the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival scheduled for October 12 to 14 with the Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai stating that the festival is meant to promote peaceful coexistence among the Ateker communities.

"The Turkana Tourism and Cultural festival is meant to foster peaceful coexistence among the communities within the counties and across neighbouring countries including Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan," he said.

"This year’s festival will showcase an array of the rich cultural heritage of the Turkana people, including traditional food, colourful Turkana ushanga beadwork, traditional regalia, crafts and artefacts, folk songs and dances, oral narrations of the rich history and lifestyle of the Turkana community," the Governor further stated.

President Ruto who was expected to arrive in Lodwar earlier on Wednesday prior to the official opening of the 7th edition of the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival today Thursday, October 12, 2023, known as Tobongulore, meaning “welcome back home”.

Speaking during his stopovers earlier Wednesday the President assured the residents that all stalled projects within the devolved units would be completed in the coming months, citing insecurity as a hinderance to the completion of the projects assuring them of the government’s planned work to ensure peace prevails in the county.

The Ateker communities include Turkana, Iteso of Kenya, Karamoja, Jie of Uganda and Topsa of South Sudan and Nyangatom, Merile from Ethiopia.

Along with West Pokot and Baringo Counties, Turkana shares borders with Ethiopia, Uganda, and South Sudan.

They have been embroiled in disputes with nearby towns for years over pasture, water, and land boundaries, which has resulted in human displacement, livestock losses, and fatalities hence a call for peaceful co-existence for better growth and development.