Political temperatures in Turkana County continued to rise over the weekend as Kakuma Ward MCA Eliud Emoni and Turkana South MP Dr. John Ariko Namoit used separate public gatherings to criticize political leadership, call for unity, and urge residents to prepare for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a funeral service in Towokayeni Village, Kakuma, MCA Eliud Emoni condemned what he described as political double standards among some local leaders, accusing them of changing their loyalties depending on which leader they were addressing.
“There are people who want to eat from both sides. When the governor arrives, they say ‘Tutam.’ When another leader stands before them, they will also call that leader ‘Tutam.’ Today, what will you tell the people? You are someone who eats from the front and then goes back to eat from the back,” Emoni said.
His remarks followed an incident in which some leaders were reportedly not given an opportunity to speak during the funeral, while others who addressed mourners left before the burial ceremony had concluded. Emoni cautioned leaders against using funeral services and other community events to advance political interests.
The MCA also appealed for unity among the people of Turkana West, saying internal divisions were undermining the region’s progress.
“We are the ones confusing ourselves by fighting one another. Let us first fix our problems at home before looking elsewhere. We should stop undermining one another in secret. Even when professionals are invited to help address these issues, few people come forward. Nevertheless, we will continue bringing people together,” he said.
While reaffirming his support for the current county administration, Emoni stressed that leadership positions are temporary and urged residents to maintain peace and elect leaders democratically in the 2027 General Election.
Meanwhile, during his three-day Suguta Valley Meet-the-People Tour at Kapedo Waterfall in Turkana East, Turkana South MP Dr. John Ariko Namoit criticized Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai Napotikan, accusing him of neglecting Kapedo and taking residents of Turkana East for granted.
According to Ariko, the governor had never visited Kapedo to seek votes or engage directly with residents.
“Remember, what you received came by the grace of God. Don’t use it to look down on or disparage others. The 2027 elections are fast approaching, and everyone will reap what they have sown,” Ariko said.
The MP cited the outcome of the recent Ol Kalau by-election, saying it should remind leaders that political office is ultimately determined by the will of the people.
“The Ol Kalau by-election sends a powerful message to all leaders: never use what you have received through grace to look down on others. Not every success is solely the result of hard work, just as not every failure is the result of laziness. Circumstances, opportunity, timing and, above all, the will of the people often shape political outcomes,” he said.
Ariko called on leaders to embrace humility and accountability, arguing that every election offers valuable lessons for those in public office.
Turning his attention to county governance, the MP said his experience in both the county and national governments had prepared him to lead Turkana County.
“Look at me today and compare me with Governor Lomorukai. I have experience. I studied public finance and how to safeguard the resources of the people of Turkana. What experience does the governor have? Is it the experience of spending the people’s money?” he asked.
He also alleged that county government offices, including ward and sub-county offices, were struggling because officials lacked sufficient operational support, including transport to perform their duties.
“Look at what our ward offices, sub-county offices and village administrators are going through. Some cannot even get transport to carry out government duties. Is that the kind of leadership you want?” Ariko asked.
The remarks by both leaders underscore the growing political activity in Turkana County as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election. While Emoni emphasized unity, peaceful elections and an end to internal divisions, Turkana South MP focused on leadership, accountability and governance, with both leaders urging residents to carefully consider their choices when they head to the ballot in 2027.
