The Deputy President William Ruto has pledged to elevate the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival (Tobongulore) to a national event if elected president next year.
Speaking on Saturday during the festival at Ekalees centre Lodwar, the DP said the event has become a diplomatic one that brings nations together.
He said the cultural event is important because it has gone beyond culture to bring four countries together including Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan to address the issues affecting them.
“We are celebrating the culture of the Ateker communities that covers four countries. This event has become a diplomatic one that brings the nations together.”
“This event is equally a business and commercial one that brings entrepreneurs together. Much more important this event has become a tourism event that brings people from across the nations to celebrate the cradle of mankind, that’s celebrated in Turkana county,” Ruto said.
He said the Tobong’ulore event is unifying the communities and bringing nations together to address the conflicts along the borders.
“What we could not do in so many years, to bring leaders from South Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda by using diplomacy in our headquarters, today Tobong’ulore, a cultural event, has managed to bring leaders and the communities from across the borders to one meeting to discuss the issues surrounding them,” he said.
He appreciated the efforts of Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok for initiating a cultural event to foster peaceful coexistence along the borders of the neighbouring counties and countries.
He said when the history of Turkana will be written, Tobong’ulore will have a chapter.
“We will elevate it to a national event so that we can fully celebrate the culture, cradle of mankind and use it to build bridges across the borders to create cohesion and harmony among the communities that live in the fragile region,” he said.
The DP was accompanied by Governors Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Stanley Kiptis (Baringo) and MPs Adan Duale (Garissa town) and Kimani Ichungwa (Kikuyu).
Nanok said, it’s through culture that they can be able to influence the change.
“We have resolutions that are supposed to be addressed by the County and National governments. If all issues can be addressed, such issues as conflicts, water menace, education, roads and business can be solved.”
“Those issues the national government needs to take seriously, I know a lot has begun, but there’s a lot more that can pacify those regions completely so that people can create wealth, tackle poverty and manage harsh environments,” Ruto said.
Other leaders who spoke are Turkana Senator Malacy Ekal, MPs James Lomenen (Turkana South) Daniel Nanok (Turkana West), Ali Lokiru (Loima) and Joyce Emanikor (Woman Rep).
Others were 11 MPs from Uganda and delegates from Ethiopia and South Sudan.
-Edited by SKanyara
