Turkwel, January 22, 2026 (Governor’s Press Service) — The national government must undertake comprehensive disarmament and mop up illegal firearms to unlock meaningful development along the Turkana–West Pokot border, Governor Dr. Jeremiah Lomorukai has said.
Speaking today in Turkwel during a public participation forum on the proposed Lower Turkwel Irrigation Project, Governor Lomorukai described banditry as a man-made disaster, sustained in part by leaders who benefit politically from instability.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace among neighbouring communities, citing his record as a former Member of Parliament as evidence of consistent leadership in promoting harmony and coexistence.
Governor Lomorukai was among leaders who attended the forum presided over by Cabinet Secretary for East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul. The irrigation project aims to address food insecurity while fostering peace between the Turkana and West Pokot communities.
The Governor thanked the national government for selecting the project and assured residents that leaders at both levels of government were fully committed to its successful implementation.
He urged residents to abandon banditry and embrace alternative livelihoods, including agro-pastoral initiatives, noting that sustained peace would unlock long-term socio-economic development in the region.
Dr. Lomorukai also acknowledged the effects of climate change on water levels, emphasising that the irrigation project is timely and critical for boosting food production and strengthening community resilience.CS Askul called on residents to support the project and assured them of the government’s goodwill towards its success.
She underscored the need for harmony, noting that persistent banditry had discouraged private investors, leaving the government as the primary driver of development in the area.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin echoed the sentiments, saying the region has immense potential to become a major food basket.
He stressed the importance of collective focus on effective implementation of the project for the benefit of wananchi and supported calls for disarmament to ensure free movement and peaceful coexistence.
Principal Secretary for ASAL and Regional Development Kello Harsama, Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita, and West Pokot County Commissioner David Ntawuasa were also present.
The Governor was accompanied by County Executive Committee Members Dr. Michael Eregae (Agriculture), Benson Lokwang (Roads), Dr. Joseph Epem (Health), Wiljustus Akwalata (Water), Faith Aletea (Lands) and Roseline Aite (Finance), as well as County Attorney Ruth Emanikor and Finance Chief Officer Robert Lotaruk.
