Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has urged communities in the North Rift counties to shun banditry which has caused development activities to stall.
Lomorukai said they will intensify activities to promote peace and security in conflict-prone areas towards securing a lasting solution for the benefit of Ateker communities.
The county is involved in peace-building and conflict resolution efforts, including cross-border meetings with leaders from neighbouring counties, especially in areas affected by banditry.
“We are now having frequent engagements with leaders and communities from neighbouring counties so that we strengthen peace in our region,” he said.
Lomorukai said development cannot be achieved in an environment dominated by conflicts that cause insecurity.
Cases of banditry in the region had reduced significantly due to efforts by counties and the national government.
Lomorukai said he would tour the county to ensure full implementation of his development agenda.
“I am fully committed to implementing our development goals, particularly in the areas of water and livestock development.”
He cited his intervention to secure the release of pastoralists who had been detained in Uganda as part of his administration’s dedication to ensuring that herders can move freely and access essential resources such as water and pasture.
“Access to water is a major issue for our people and we are working with development partners to ensure communities are assisted to get clean water,” he said.
The governor emphasised the importance of servant leadership, cautioning residents to be wary of leaders driven by personal interests rather than the common good of the county.
He said those perpetrating selfish interests should not be tolerated by residents.
Turkana West MCAs led by minority leader Vincent Ekipor lauded the governor’s administration for spearheading peace-building and conflict management activities in the region.
Other senior officials included county secretary Richard Ekai, as well as CECs Antony Apalia (Climate change and natural resources), Wiljustus Lopeyok (Water), Patrick Losike (Public service) and Faith Aletea (Lands).
