President William Ruto on Tuesday graced the 9th edition of the Turkana cultural festival, popularly known as Tobong’u Lore.
The President donned traditional attire as he joined in the festivities at Ekalees centre in Lodwar.
The annual festival, whose name in the Turkana language means “welcoming back home,” has grown into one of the country’s most significant cultural events, drawing communities from across the country and the wider East African region.
It brings together elders, youth, artists, pastoralists and leaders to celebrate indigenous knowledge, traditional livelihoods and the rich diversity of the Turkana people.
The Tobong’u Lore festival showcases traditional dances, songs, poetry, storytelling and cuisine, while also providing a platform for intergenerational dialogue.
It has increasingly incorporated modern elements such as exhibitions, policy forums and cultural exchanges aimed at linking tradition with contemporary development needs.
Beyond the festivities, Tobong’u Lore has become a platform for discussing issues affecting pastoralist communities, including climate change, livestock markets, peace-building and cross-border cooperation.
Organisers say this year’s edition places special emphasis on youth empowerment and the preservation of indigenous languages.
