Turkana County Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has warned that Turkana and five other North Rift counties risk losing critical investments if insecurity is not urgently addressed.
Speaking during a meeting with the Operations Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) North Rift “Sports for Peace” team, Dr. Erus said the region continues to lag in development despite peace efforts. He called for stronger collaboration to create a secure environment that attracts both state and non-state actors.
He urged constitutional commissions, development partners and civil society to fund and support the Sports for Peace Initiative, noting that sports can drive dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
“As we confront insecurity, we count on agencies like NCIC to create opportunities for communities to play, talk and engage in peace building,” Dr. Erus said.
The Deputy Governor pledged to present the upcoming OMU tournament to the Turkana Peace Actors Forum (TPAF) to mobilize wider support.
Turkana will join this year’s tournament in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County, from August 17–23, 2026. Teams from Laikipia, Meru, Isiolo and Marsabit will also participate for the first time since the inaugural event in Chemolingot, Baringo, in 2023.
Dr. Erus further backed the proposed military base at Kapedo, saying it would boost security, fast-track the area’s reclassification as safe, and unlock more government and donor support.
OMU Initiative Chair Job Mwetich said hotspots have been mapped and teams from Lokori, Suguta, Kainuk and other cattle-rustling areas are being lined up for Turkana.
This year’s tournament will feature football, volleyball, athletics and cultural dance to broaden community participation.
Also present were Deputy Director of Sports Jackson Nakusa, Assistant Director for Peace Ebongon Lomongin, and NCIC and KDF representatives.
