LODWAR, July 21, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has warned that Turkana and five other counties in the North Rift region risk losing investments by both state and non-state actors if the challenge of peace and insecurity remains unresolved.

Speaking when he met the Operations Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) North Rift Sports for Peace Initiative team in Lodwar, Dr. Erus said the region had lagged behind despite efforts by different players to address peace and insecurity, and called for more concerted action.

Dr. Erus also called for the active participation of constitutional bodies, development partners and civil society organizations particularly in funding the initiative for sustainable peace through sports.

“As we confront the peace and insecurity challenge in the region, our hope remains in the input and interventions of bodies such as NCIC and other agencies in creating opportunities for communities to play, talk and engage on matters peace building,” he said.

The Deputy Governor pledged to table the upcoming event by the OMU initiative for deliberations at the Turkana Peace Actors Forum (TPAF) that brings together development partners in the peace building sector.

Additionally, Dr. Erus welcomed the move by the initiative to include Turkana in this year’s event to be hosted at ToT in Elgeyo Marakwet for five days from 17th to 23rd August 2026. The event will also include Laikipia, Meru, Isiolo and Marsabit counties for the first time since the inaugural tournament was held in Chemolingot, Baringo County, in 2023.

The Deputy Governor also announced that Turkana supports the proposed establishment of a Military base at Kapedo, saying the base will fast track the re-classification of the area as a security risk free zone, opening up the area for interventions by Government agencies and development partners.

The Chair of the team, Job Mwetich, said the initiative had already mapped hotspots and was working closely with locals in affected areas to “silence the gun” by embracing sports for peace.

“In Turkana, we would wish to have five teams drawn from Lokori, Suguta, Kainuk and other pockets that have suffered the brunt of cattle rustling, insecurity and lack of peace,” he said.

Mwetich added that the initiative had agreed to expand sporting disciplines, noting that this year’s edition will also feature volleyball, athletics and cultural dance competitions alongside football.

During the meeting, matters relating to the inclusion of relevant sports authorities, event logistics, direct involvement of the leadership class, leveraging existing peace building initiatives, and the integration of peace into the mainstream development agenda were discussed.

Present were Deputy Director of Sports Jackson Nakusa, Assistant Director for Peace Ebongon Lomongin, and Principal Administrator in the Office of the Deputy Governor Jerry Ekimwormwor.

Members of the OMU initiative present included Major Japheth Bett of KDF, Victor Ijaika of NCIC, Martino Ngare of NCIC, Nancy Kigen, Deputy Director of Peace, Elgeyo Marakwet, Lawrence Mutwol, CO for Peace, Elgeyo Marakwet, David Omore, Peter Cheruiyot, Clement Atolim and Apakamoi Renson.