President William Ruto’s recent remarks during the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival in Lodwar underscored his firm stance against tribal and divisive politics. Reaffirming his commitment to unify Kenyans across political and cultural divides, President Ruto emphasized his administration’s dedication to equitable representation and inclusive governance. In a speech that echoed the goals of his broad-based cabinet, Ruto shared his vision for a cohesive nation, thriving with opportunities for all citizens.
The President’s call for unity was delivered during the Tobong’u Lore Festival, an annual cultural event in Turkana that attracts participants from neighboring communities in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Burundi. This year’s event, now in its eighth iteration, brought together diverse groups to celebrate traditional dances, music, food, and crafts that symbolize the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
Commitment to Eradicate Ethnic Politics
At the heart of President Ruto’s address was a strong message against tribalism, a recurrent issue in Kenya’s political landscape. “We don’t want tribal or discriminative politics. We will work hard to unite all Kenyans and aspire to create a prosperous Kenya for all,” he stated. Emphasizing the nation’s unity, Ruto argued that political stability can only be achieved through genuine inclusivity and equitable representation in government.
According to Ruto, forming a broad-based cabinet was a deliberate step toward uniting Kenyans. It was his way of ensuring that communities, irrespective of their political affiliations or regional identities, feel represented and included in national governance. This, he believes, will help dismantle the divisions that have historically fueled ethnic politics and inhibit the country’s progress.
Enhancing Turkana’s Socio-Economic Landscape
One of the key issues the President addressed was the region’s long-standing security concerns, primarily banditry and cattle rustling, which have plagued Turkana and neighboring West Pokot County for years. The insecurity has stymied development and disrupted the livelihoods of thousands. President Ruto praised leaders from both Turkana and West Pokot for their collaborative efforts in tackling these issues and urged them to remain united in the fight against crime.
President Ruto emphasized the importance of agricultural development as a sustainable solution to these issues. He directed Beatrice Askul, the East African Community and Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Cabinet Secretary, to leverage the Kerio Valley Development Authority’s 50,000-acre potential along the Turkana-West Pokot border for irrigation. He shared his vision of transforming this land into a major agricultural center to secure the area’s food supply and combat local poverty.
By promoting irrigation-based agriculture, the President seeks to create economic opportunities that can deter crime and promote social stability. “When the people eventually engage in farming through irrigation, they will be busy in their farms and there will be no room for lawlessness along the border,” he noted. The President’s plan taps into the abundant land resources in the Kerio Valley and could significantly reduce the need for cattle rustling by offering alternative sources of livelihood.
Supporting the Turkana Fishermen: Conflict Resolution
Beyond agriculture, Ruto also addressed challenges facing Turkana’s fishing communities. Conflicts between fishermen on Lake Turkana and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials have strained local relations, with complaints of harassment being a regular occurrence. In a bid to resolve these issues, President Ruto directed Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano to foster harmony between KWS and the local fishermen.
President Ruto urged KWS officials to support rather than intimidate the fishermen. “I ask the concerned parties to sort out the problem once and for all so that harmonious working relations can prevail,” he said. His intervention reflects his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for local communities to thrive, reinforcing his belief in a community-centric development model.
The ‘Home of Human Origins’ Museum: A Scientific and Cultural Milestone
President Ruto also unveiled an ambitious project aimed at cementing Kenya’s status as the cradle of humankind. The “Home of Human Origins Museum and Science Park” is set to be built at Namortunga, Kalokol. This institution will serve as a hub for scientific research, cultural tourism, and eco-tourism, with a focus on Kenya’s invaluable archaeological heritage, including the famed Turkana Boy and the world’s oldest stone tools.
“When completed, the museum and science park will celebrate these milestones, enabling visitors to travel back in time and explore the origins of humanity and early technology,” President Ruto noted. This initiative seeks to elevate Turkana County as an international research and tourism center, drawing historians, archaeologists, and tourists from around the globe.
The project is also a tribute to Kenya’s role in the story of human evolution, further amplifying its global scientific relevance. With the discovery of Turkana Boy, one of the most complete hominid skeletons ever found, Kenya gained recognition as a focal point for understanding early human history. The new museum will showcase these ancient findings, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s historical contributions.
Impact on Tourism and Infrastructure
Ruto emphasized that the “Home of Human Origins Museum” will not only attract scientific interest but will also catalyze broader investments in Turkana’s infrastructure, tourism, and related sectors. “The people are the primary stakeholders of our development agenda even in the cultural and tourism sectors,” Ruto stressed. He pointed out that sustainable tourism will directly benefit the local community through job creation, increased investment, and improved livelihoods.
With Turkana’s abundant wildlife, scenic landscapes, and UNESCO-listed sites, the county already holds significant tourism potential. The development of a major museum and science park could further bolster Turkana’s appeal to both international tourists and researchers, encouraging economic growth through tourism. Moreover, the initiative aligns with Ruto’s commitment to developing community-centered projects that empower local residents and ensure they benefit from the region’s unique resources.
Strengthening the Region’s Resilience
The President’s approach aligns with his broader vision of strengthening Turkana and other underdeveloped regions. By empowering the community through resource-based development, President Ruto is promoting self-reliance and resilience. Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai of Turkana echoed this sentiment, affirming that the county’s leadership is committed to supporting government initiatives aimed at ending banditry and ensuring food security.
Governor Lomorukai’s words reinforce the regional government’s readiness to embrace the President’s development agenda. He emphasized that Turkana leaders are dedicated to fostering peace and stability, recognizing that these are crucial for sustainable development. The Turkana community’s support will be instrumental in advancing the government’s transformative goals, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and cultural preservation.
Marsabit Governor Ali Mohamud and various officials from South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Burundi also attended the festival, underscoring the event’s importance as a platform for regional collaboration and cultural exchange. Their presence further highlighted the potential of cultural diplomacy in fostering cross-border relations and shared growth in East Africa.
Cultural Festivals as Drivers of Growth
In addition to its political and developmental message, the Tobong’u Lore Festival serves as a vital celebration of cultural identity. The festival showcases the traditions of the Turkana people, from music and dance to crafts and cuisine, reinforcing the significance of cultural heritage in Kenya’s national identity. President Ruto lauded the festival’s role in driving regional tourism, noting that such events are engines of growth that bring communities together.
“As this festival demonstrates year after year, the community is the engine of growth,” he said. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to a community-based development strategy that ensures that cultural events like Tobong’u Lore bring direct economic benefits to local residents.
Conclusion
President Ruto’s speech at the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival was a powerful call for unity, security, and inclusive development. By prioritizing equitable governance, agricultural development, and tourism infrastructure, he outlined a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges facing Turkana County. The Tobong’u Lore Festival, beyond its cultural importance, symbolizes the potential of unity and development as cornerstones of Kenya’s future.
As Kenya strives for growth and harmony, Ruto’s vision reflects a deep commitment to an inclusive, prosperous Kenya where cultural diversity is celebrated and where every Kenyan, regardless of origin or background, has a stake in the country’s progress. His focus on community-based growth and sustainable tourism promises not only to uplift Turkana but also to position Kenya as a global leader in scientific discovery and cultural tourism.
