Turkana leaders have demanded immediate action to enhance security in bandit-prone areas of Turkana East Sub County.
Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has stated that the leaders will take action to address the banditry menace. He emphasized that they will not stand by while the county’s residents continue suffering at the hands of bandits.
“I come from a region that has experienced insecurity for a long time. I understand the problem and when I talk about my dedication to ending insecurity, it’s not just empty words; I mean what I say,” he stated.
Governor Lomorukai also pledged that the leaders will engage with Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki to discuss the conflict regarding proposed new divisions along the border with Baringo, an issue that has raised concerns among leaders.
The Governor, who is on a development tour of Turkana East Sub-County, held public meetings and interacted with the residents of Lomelo, Kamuge, and Asekonang’ilukia. He is accompanied by County First Lady Lillian Ekamais.
Among the development projects promised by the Governor for the region are resettlement schemes targeting areas that have been abandoned due to insecurity, including Napeitom, Lomelo, and Asekon-ang’ilukia.
Key issues that he said the county aims to address in the area include, water shortages, food security, and persistent insecurity in the region.
Governor Lomorukai emphasized that he has maintained fairness in the recruitment of senior county staff. He also assured residents that the County is collaborating with partner organizations such as the World Food Programme and World Vision for relief distribution, in line with the government’s relief plans for this financial year.
He maintained that his pursuit of unity among leaders was to eliminate divisive politics and maintain a strong focus on issues affecting the residents. He expressed his readiness to collaborate with Turkana East MP Nicholas Ng’ikor in developing the sub-county.
Governor Napotikan expressed gratitude to the residents for their support in the last general elections and promised to reciprocate their confidence through efficient service delivery.
MP Ng’ikor, who joined the Governor today, echoed the concerns of other leaders regarding the duplication of administrative units along the border with Baringo. He called on elected leaders to support the Governor and allow him to fulfill his mandate.
Speaker Christopher Nakuleu stressed the importance of prioritizing regions in Suguta in the planned recruitment of National Police Reservists to address the escalating insecurity.
Turkana East Deputy County Commissioner Moses Karwigi assured residents that the National Government is actively collaborating with the County Government and local leaders on various security initiatives.
MCAs in the tour are Willy Nalimo (Kapedo), Willy Napuyo (Lokori/Kochodin), Alphonse Loteder (Katilia), David Ekod (Kerio Delta), nominated members Rebecca Epae, Lydia Ejore and Sarah Abdi.
County Secretary Peter Eripete led a team of county officials accompanying the Governor and included County Executives Elizabeth Loote (Trade), David Erukudi (Agriculture), Peter Akono (Lands), James Wangiros (Public Service), Patrick Losike (Roads), and Dr. Anthony Apalia (Health).
Also present are Chief Officers Paul Lodung’a (Office of the Governor), Derick Epae (Administration and Disaster Management), Samuel Ekale (Trade), David Maraka (Energy and Mining), and Cecilia Maajuma (Administration); County Solicitor Ruth Emanikor, Chief of Staff Peter Yoromoe, Advisors Malachy Ekal (Political) and Ekiru Tulele (Legal), among other officials.
Also present is a team of opinion leaders from Turkana East including former MP Ali Lokiru, Benson Lokwang, Robert Lochuch, and former Lokori/Kochodin MCA Benedict Lokamar.
