The Turkana Council of Elders successfully conducted their second official election in different posts on 25th March 2023 at Ceamo Village in Lodwar. The election was conducted in presence of the Ag Director of Culture, Mr. Lemmy Ejorewoia and a host of the culture and administration officers.
A total of 70 members, that represented all the sub-counties, agreed to elect the officials through secret ballot with the Ag director of culture, Mr. Lemmy Ejorewoia presiding over the elections as the Returning Officer.
After the elections Mr. Abraham Lokuwom was pronounced as the winner in the office of the Chairperson after garnering 54 votes out of the 70 votes cast while his only opponent Mr. Ekaran Abok gannered 16 votes.
Mr. Samuel Eregae emerged as the Vice Chairperson with Mr. Cosmas Namaa as the Secretary and Mr. John Kaatho as the vice secretary.
In the treasury docket that was contested by two candidates, Mr. Ekaale Lochakula and Mr. Ekunoit, out of the 68 votes cast Mr. Ekaale Lochakula emerged the winner with a total of 58 votes with his opponent Mr. Ekunoit managing 10 votes and Mr. Benjamin Ebenyo as the vice Treasurer.
Also elected was the coordinator Mr, Peter Lomiinyi who garnered 53 votes against his opponent Mr. Philip Eyanae Emathe who managed 15 votes.
Speaking after the election, Mr. Abraham, the new Chairperson regretted the erosion of the Turkana culture, which he vowed to restore during his tenure.
He said that the roots of Turkana culture and their origin was slowly diminishing and unless action is taken now, the community would not have anything to be proud of to our future generation.
As a community, he added, “The Turkana people have a wealth of culture that for decades had shielded them from committing wrong and instead brought unity of purpose.”
“We have to call several meetings aimed at restoring some cultural values that used to keep us together as a community.” He added.
He further said, as a people, we have to trace our origin and establish were we came from and where we are heading as a society.
“If we are not careful, a day will come when we will ask ourselves where we came from.” He noted.
As the new Chairperson, he requested the culture department to allocate a budget to the council treasury to facilitate the training organization for the elders about the constitution that will be used to manage the affairs of the council.
In attendance was the security team led by OCS Mr. Mutegi and support from Turkana central OCPD Mr. Lemmy.
