Lokiriama – 11th September 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Preparations for this year’s International Day of Peace, set for September 21st, are in top gear at the Lokiriama Peace Monument, where Turkana County will host the commemorative event.

The Deputy County Secretary in charge of Cabinet Affairs, Dr Albert Gamoe, led a team for site inspection to ensure all logistics are in place for the occasion.

In past years, the County has used the event to honour the historic 1973 Turkana-Karamoja Peace accord. This landmark agreement, signed between the Turkana of Kenya and the Matheniko of Uganda along the Lokiriama cross-border corridor, marked an end to years of hostilities as both communities symbolically buried their weapons, committing to peaceful coexistence.

Dr Gamoe outlined that this year’s celebrations will feature a peace-themed football tournament with eight teams, a night vigil at the monument, a cross-border peace dialogue, traditional dances, artistic performances, and speeches from leaders.

“Our goal is to foster an environment where local communities can strengthen peacebuilding efforts through meaningful dialogue and networking, while receiving messages on the importance of maintaining peaceful coexistence,” Dr Gamoe said.

With Turkana County also gearing up for its 8th annual Tourism and Cultural Festival, Tobong’ulore, Dr Gamoe added that the International Day of Peace celebrations will act as a leading up to the larger event.

“We expect our Ateker communities from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Pokots to join us for the celebrations on the 21st, after which we will proceed to Lodwar for the grand Tobong’ulore festival,” he concluded.

The DCS was accompanied by Phoebe Kaaman (County Advisor for Culture and heritage), Sammy Karoi (Director of Administration Tourism), Lemmy Ejorewoia (Culture), Thomas Kipseba (Senior Tourism officer) and Emanman Davi (Public Works – Architect).