Lodwar- October 7, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
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A peace actors’ forum in Turkana has passed a resolution supporting the immediate closure of the Lopuke livestock market and the strengthening of security at five emerging hotspots — Naipa, Muruongor, Lochorelim, Kotaruk and Lopuke, along the Loima–Aroo corridor.
The forum, supported by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), was chaired by Titus Lokorikeju, Director of Peace Building and Conflict Management, brought together peace actors drawn from state and non-state agencies working along the corridor. Participants unanimously voted to adopt the resolution
According to Conflict Incidence Reports data, Lopuke has repeatedly emerged as the main market where rustlers sell stolen livestock to unsuspecting buyers.
“Our analysis and interaction with locals revealed that the market was the preferred choice for cattle rustlers due to its distance from security checkpoints,” said Lokorikeju.
To provide temporary relief for legitimate traders, the peace actors proposed relocating livestock trade to a secure site at Lochorelim.
The resolution was supported by both county and national government officials, including Moses Etelej Korea, Chief Officer, Office of the Governor, who reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence among communities in Turkana and neighbouring regions.
Additionally, the forum recommended community dialogues in Nakuja Ekalale and Loperot to strengthen inter-community relations and deescalate tensions.
Present included Ebongon Lomongin, Rodgers Emuria Ekeno (Assistant Director for Peace), Joshua Eregae (Peace Officer), Mark Kotol (Administrator, Katilu), Richard Lochipo Iko (Ward Administrator, Kotaruk), Simale Godfrey (Village Administrator, Kotaruk), Dorcas Ereng (Village Administrator, Katilu), Collins Ekiru (Village Administrator, Lokapel), Naleyo Richard (Village Administrator, Kalemunyang), and Emmanuel Lomuria (Village Administrator, Kanaodon).
National Government representatives included Tobias Sambu (Senior Assistant County Commissioner – Aroo), Boniface Oduor (Sub-county Commander – Aroo), Fredrick Ngetich (OCPD – Loima), and Edison Ongaro (Assistant County Commissioner – Katilu).
