As political temperatures rise ahead of the 2027 General Election, Turkana leaders are urging residents to prioritize unity and development over political rivalry, while demanding faster delivery of essential government services. The calls were made during separate public events across Turkana West Constituency over the weekend.
Speaking on Saturday at Lokwanyia Primary School in Kalobeyei, Turkana West MP Daniel Epuyo Nanok warned residents that political divisions are actively slowing down regional development. “People of Kalobeyei, do not deceive God. What I am seeing is not good divisions without development,” Nanok said. “Elections are coming, and only one person will win the seat while the others will go home.”
The lawmaker emphasized that sustainable progress can only be achieved through peaceful coexistence as the county enters the next election cycle.
Later that day at Lokudule in Song’ot Ward, during the Kitoosunoe Women Self-Help Group Economic Empowerment Programme, Turkana Senator James Lomenen Lokomol Nyarieng called on the national government to expedite support to vulnerable communities. The Senator expressed frustration over ongoing delays in relief food, cash transfers, medicine, and water infrastructure.
”We are tired of waiting,” Senator Lomenen said. “The KSh 1,000 cash transfer has delayed, maize has delayed, medicine has delayed, and water has delayed. We want these funds and relief food to reach us while we are seated where we voted during the election not when we are standing by the roadside waiting.” He pledged to strengthen oversight of national resources allocated to Turkana to ensure transparent and timely delivery.
Also speaking at the Song’ot event, Song’ot Ward MCA Bethwel Kobongin urged residents to maintain respect for elected leaders despite emerging political differences. He specifically cautioned against personal attacks and derogatory language directed at county leadership.
”Nobody is an angel,” Kobongin noted. “Some have called the Governor ‘Fuliza’ and other names, yet they are the same people who eat and then wipe their mouths to appear as if they have tasted nothing. That is what they are doing to this government. If they call the Governor ‘Fuliza,’ they too have benefited.”
Meanwhile, local political competition is intensifying in Lodwar Township Ward, where the MCA race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the county. Incumbent MCA Ruth Kuya, popularly known as “Mama ni Moja,” is facing a stiff challenge from aspirant Moses Ebei, alias “Moseti.”
Moseti is heavily associated with former Turkana Central MP John Nakara Lodepe, and political observers indicate that Lodepe’s camp is actively backing his bid. Local supporters allege that the rift between Lodepe and Kuya widened after the incumbent MCA strengthened her ties with Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai. Observers also point to the recent County Assembly Speaker election, where Kuya allegedly backed a rival candidate.
Lodepe is widely viewed as a key ally of Governor Lomorukai for the Turkana Central parliamentary race. Within this political alignment, Moseti’s candidacy is being linked to a broader strategy supporting both Lodepe’s parliamentary ambitions and the governor’s re-election bid. MCA Kuya has not yet publicly responded to these claims.
As early campaigns gradually take shape, Turkana’s political elite are combining calls for development and accountability with strategic maneuvers to strengthen their alliances. With momentum building, voters will ultimately decide whether to renew the mandates of current leaders or usher in a new political generation at both the county and national levels.
