Whenever the media mentions specific areas in West Pokot County, recollections of cattle rustling and banditry activities resurface in the minds of people.
These occurrences have persisted for years, creating a negative perception of certain areas in the region.
In order to change the negative narrative that certain areas of the county have encountered, a Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in collaboration with the County Government of West Pokot organised a festival christened a Pokot Pre-Cultural Day event, which aimed to highlight the diversity of the Pokot culture while promoting the abandonment of regressive practices that have tarnished the reputation of some parts of the county.
During the Pokot Pre-Cultural Day, hundreds of people hailing from West Pokot County and the adjacent counties of West Pokot County gathered at Nyangaita shrines in Masol ward, Pokot Central Sub County, to gain insight into the vibrant culture of the Pokot community and, in doing so, promote harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The inaugural “Pokot Pre-Cultural Day” ceremony with the theme “Tradition and Modernity, a symbolic event in the county, was held with the support of Heroine Everlyn Prech, the Executive Director of the Centre for Indigenous Child Rights (CIC) organisation.
The primary objective of the event was to enlighten the local community about the importance of abandoning regressive cultural practices and embracing a more progressive and modern way of life.
Furthermore, the event tackled critical issues like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the empowerment of women and girls, education for young girls, and fostering community support.
The day was filled with various activities that showcased the cultural diversity of the Pokot community.
Exhibitions featuring traditional food, clothing, and intricate costumes were displayed, along with
The event also provided an opportunity for the elders and youth of the Pokot community to showcase different cultural practices, including the renowned Sapana and Parapara rites, elders’ blessings, and the reading of intestines from a slaughtered goat.
Additionally, the local community received comprehensive education regarding the detrimental consequences of insecurity and regressive customs such as female genital mutilation (FGM).
Residents were strongly encouraged to reject early forced marriages, Female Genital Mutilation, Gender-Based Violence and instead adopt positive cultural practices.
The local community emphasised that the Pokot Cultural Day would serve as a means to revitalise and preserve their cultural heritage, which was at risk of extinction due to the influence of Western culture.
The elders and youth believed that such events would help promote positive cultural values and distance them from negative aspects such as banditry and cattle rustling, which have tarnished the community’s reputation.
Through a vibrant display of colours and sounds, the elders and youth showcased a variety of cultural traditions, aiming to reclaim their lost glory in the face of the challenges posed by banditry and cattle rustling.
The locals acknowledged that such events not only highlighted the richness of their culture but also positioned the county as a hub of hidden treasures, attracting investors and tourists alike.
Ms. Prech emphasised that the festival, which commenced on Friday, aimed to showcase the rich culture of the Pokot people.
She highlighted that the annual event would serve as a platform for fostering unity among individuals, enabling them to engage in communal activities and learn from one another.
She elaborated that the festival was expected to boost the local economy by increasing the demand for tourist products and attracting a larger number of visitors to the county.
Ms. Prech reiterated that the festival would serve as a significant avenue for communities in the region to celebrate their distinct cultures through a variety of cultural performances and exhibitions.
She emphasised that the festival would play a crucial role in preserving and passing down cultural expressions to future generations, serving as a means for local communities to celebrate their cultural diversity with minimal commercialization.
Additionally, she highlighted that the festival would serve as a platform for nurturing talents, honing skills, and providing market opportunities for cultural products and services, thereby attracting tourists both locally and internationally.
Ms. Prech praised the youth who actively participated in the event, encouraging them to continue showcasing their talents in music and the cultural arts.
She stressed the importance of passing down cultural heritage from one generation to the next, urging the youth to engage in such events to ensure the preservation and propagation of culture.
Furthermore, she emphasised that the festival would play a significant role in promoting peace among communities in conflict, addressing concerns about the influence of Western culture on local traditions.
Julius Loparar, an elder of the Masol community, emphasised the significance of the festival in showcasing the vibrant and varied cultural heritage of the Pokot-speaking people.
He highlighted that the event aimed to facilitate cultural dialogues and exchanges both within and between communities.
Additionally, he mentioned that the festival would create opportunities for networking and partnerships at local, national, and international levels, thereby fostering cultural exchange initiatives and promoting social cohesion within the country.
Benson Lemunyang, the Director of Culture and Heritage in West Pokot County, emphasised that the county holds immense potential and was a hidden treasure.
He expressed concern over the lack of promotion of their culture and highlighted the importance of showcasing positive cultural aspects such as Adong’o and Sapana, as well as agricultural and honey exhibits.
Lemunyang stated that the upcoming cultural festival aimed to raise awareness about the significance of culture in development, leading to increased resource allocation for cultural promotion.
He said the event would facilitate collaboration between national, county governments and NGOs, among other partners, in the creation of job opportunities.
Lemunyang also emphasised the role of such festivals in attracting tourists and exhibiting the rich culture and heritage of the region.
“The festival will contribute to the growth of the tourism and hospitality sectors, positioning culture and heritage as key drivers of tourism development in the country,” stated Lemunyang.
Kate Love, a representative of the Beyond FGM Organisation based in the United States of America, described the day as truly remarkable while expressing her deep affection for the Pokot community and the county.
Salome Tuwei, representing Equity Afya, stated that the occasion would act as a community-driven initiative to commemorate culture, value diversity, and foster harmony and tranquility.
The event was made possible through the collaboration of organisations such as Beyong FGM, Action against Hunger, Perur Ray of Hope, The Declares Inspirational Group Kenya, Jitokeze Wamama Afrika, Equity Afia, Village Enterprise, Finn Church Aid, Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevolkerung (DSW), World Vision Kenya, Umoja Development Organisation, and Green the Future organisation, among other esteemed partners.
By Anthony Melly
