First Lady, DP Ruto set for Turkana festival

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta will officially open the 4th Turkana County Cultural and Tourism Festival on Thursday.

A statement from her office said the event is geared towards fostering inter-community peace and unity.

On Friday, Deputy President William Ruto is also expected to arrive for the event where he will be the chief guest.

Delegations from the neighbouring countries of Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia are present alongside local leaders from across the political divide.

According to Governor Josephat Nanok, the county government has allocated Ksh. 60 million for the event.

Mr. Nanok said this year’s budget has been reduced from Ksh. 79 million spent in previous events as guests will be required to pay for their own accommodation.

The festival is popularly known as Tobong’u Lore which means welcome back home.

It will include a marathon, dances, traditional regalia, songs, foods and various aspects of the Turkana lifestyle.

It will also include dances from West Pokot, Tharaka Nithi counties and international dances from South Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda.

A beauty contest dubbed Miss Ateker will also be held as part of promoting peace between the members of the Ateker community who include the Iteso, Toposa, Turkana and Nyangatom of Ethiopia.

Additional reporting by Faith Chepng’eno