Instalation of Teso North MP Oku Kaunya as the community spokesperson is an attempt to overthrow the Iteso kingdom, a cultural union has said.
In a statement denouncing the planned installation, the Iteso Cultural Union said the MP's action undermines the sanctity of their institutions, disregards the will of the people and seeks to politicise culture for personal gain.
"This act is not only unconstitutional within the framework of ICU but a direct usurpation of the legitimate powers vested in the rightful king of the Iteso—emorimor—and the governing council, the ICU," said the statement read by Fredrick Adung'o at FAB Guest House in Malaba on Friday.
The Iteso are led by the cultural king—his highness Papa Paul Sande Emolot—who symbolises the identity, dignity and unity of the community, he said.
Adung'o is deputy prime minister in the kingdom, while the ICU serves as the king’s advisory council.
The union, as the governing council, is the sole body mandated to elect the king and his ministers to oversee cultural and administrative matters of the community, he added.
“Any individual or political leader who attempts to arrogate to themselves the authority of spokesperson or cultural leader acts in a clear violation of the ICU constitution and in contempt of our constitution,” he said.
Invitations to Kaunya’s inauguration were sent out by a rival council led by Cleophas Okisai and comprises rebels against the king’s election.
"The Royal Council of Iteso kingdom/community humbly requests your esteemed presence at the coronation and inauguration of Edward Oku Kaunya as the Iteso people spokesman in Kenya to be held on September 20, 2025 at Amagoro Primary grounds from 9 am,” the invitation read.
“Your presence will be a great honour as we celebrate this historic occasion of leadership, unity and heritage. Join us as we mark the beginning of a new era of service, progress and commitment.”
Kaunya could not be reached for reaction as he did not respond to calls or text messages.
But Adung’o asked politicians to differentiate between cultural leadership and political representation, saying the Iteso kingdom is not a political party and will not be reduced to a tool of partisan manoeuvring.
"Withdraw from this unlawful and dishonourable act and respect the authority of our king and the ICU or risk facing the collective rejection of the Iteso people," he warned Kaunya.
He added that the kingdom has survived generations because of respect for its institutions.
“We shall not allow this proud legacy to be tarnished by individual ambition.”
ICU minister for transport and public works, Okwara Ekirapa, said emorimor is their cultural leader and urged Kaunya to cancel the Saturday meeting.
His tourism and documentation counterpart Eric Aluku said the move to instal a spokesperson for the Iteso needed public participation.
"The MP should declare himself spokesperson of Teso North and not of the Iteso in Kenya," he said, adding that Adung'o is the recognised voice of emorimor in Kenya.
