Lodwar, December 7, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

All 30 wards in Turkana County will be represented at this year’s Tobong’u Lore Festival, following a competitive countywide audition process that identified one choir from each ward.

Director for Culture, Arts and Heritage, Boniface Korobe, said the selected groups will present the signature Turkana Edonga dance across various categories, including Edonga Lodapal, Lotubokina, Lokirakina, Loropikino, Lokilepokino, Ekaaro, Ekimwomwor, and Naleyo.

He added that the participants will also perform bull chants, lullabies, and display traditional Turkana dress codes and all expressions that defines the Ateker cultural identity.

Director Korobe added that refugee groups, local artists, special interest groups, and invited cultural troupes will also take part in this year’s festival.

The inclusion of refugees is a deliberate effort to reflect the county’s cultural diversity and ethnic inclusivity.

“We want traditional performances to run alongside other cultural, social, and indigenous typologies, such as folk medicine, indigenous cuisines, edible plants, livestock products, and crafts, presented by local communities, diaspora Turkana, Ateker groups, refugees, and minority communities. This will broaden the festival’s exhibition landscape,” Korobe said.

He encouraged the selected choirs to intensify their preparations and deliver authentic, high-quality cultural performances in keeping with the spirit of Tobong’u Lore.

Before the auditions commenced, Governor Dr. Jeremiah Lomorukai had directed that only groups vetted and approved through the official audition process would be allowed on the main stage.

The audition exercise was coordinated by Lemmy Ejorewoia, supported by a team of Heritage Officers from the Directorate of Culture, Heritage and Arts.