Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has expressed his commitment to work with President William Ruto and Members of the County Assembly regardless of their political affiliations during his visit to Jamia Mosque, Lodwar on 7th April 2023.
In a statement made during the visit to observe Ramadhan, the Governor declared that he would not lead anti-government protests in Turkana County, stating that the challenges faced by residents of the county were many and required undivided attention.
“I want to work with all leaders including the President without anyone threatening me. I will not take our people to the streets for demonstrations to ruin businesses established in the town. I ask my friends who are opposed to me working with other leaders to come and join us in the agenda for unity,” Governor Lomorukai said.
The Governor further clarified that his decision to work with President Ruto was not a fallout with Azimio Principal Raila Odinga, but rather a conscious choice he had made to focus on developing the county.
He assured minority communities in Turkana that the government would provide equal employment opportunities, and he had instructed his team to find all positions that would be advertised for residents to apply.
“I have asked my team in the audit to find all those positions which will be advertised for all residents to apply. In three weeks when we advertise for Director, Deputy Directors, Ward Administrator positions and other positions, I ask that you apply,” he said.
The Governor cautioned the county staff against harassing businesses in the region and promised that the county will continue settling pending bills without favoritism. He encouraged the business community to apply for government tenders, promising transparency in the tendering process.
The Governor also condemned acts of banditry in parts of Turkana and expressed his support for the government’s operation to crush the menace to address insecurity. He appealed for the deployment of additional security forces to hot-spot areas in Turkana South and Turkana East.
He further asked the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to upgrade road infrastructure along the Lodwar-Kitale road and clear bushes along the roadside that bandits were using as hideouts to target motorists.
The Governor however, highlighted development projects in Lodwar Municipality and reiterated his commitment to address all water challenges in the municipality in three months and other regions of the county thereafter.
During his visit, the Governor donated a consignment of foodstuff, comprising 300 bags of maize, 300 bags of rice, 67 boxes of cooking oil, and 168 bags of beans to the Muslim community.
MCAs accompanying the Governor appreciated the county boss for working with all elected leaders. Lodwar Township MCA Ruth Kuya thanked the Governor for nomination of a balanced group of County Chief Officers with representation from the Muslim community.
Other MCAs present were Majority Whip in the Assembly William Etubon (Katilu), James Ikeny (Kanamkemer), Abdifatah Kapua (Kaaleng/Kaikor), Willy Nalimo (Kapedo/Napeitom), Vincent Ekipor (Lokichoggio), Michael Epem (Kalokol) and Willy Napuyo (Lokori/Kochodi) and nominated members Lidya Ejore and Amina Loitanit.
The leaders were received by Muslim leaders including Sheikh Maalim Abdillahi, Haji Mude, Yusuf Salama, Yusuf Aremon, Salim Naita. The leaders thanked the Governor for the support and for nominating a Muslim as Chief Officer.
