A peace ambassador, the late Mary Kanyaman was laid to rest Saturday in Juluk village, Kanamkemer Ward in Turkana Central Sub-County.
The deceased was a victim of last month’s banditry attack in Turkana East that left 11 people dead, including eight police officers.
Elected leaders attending the burial questioned government’s commitment in ending the spate of attacks, even as they described the late Kanyaman as a courageous and indefatigable peace heroine.
In his remarks, Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai hailed the slain Kanyaman as a committed peace crusader who yearned for peaceful co-existence in Suguta Valley, but who unfortunately lost her own life in a very cruel manner in the hands of same cold blooded bandits that she fought hard to eradicate.
The governor called for a critical meeting between Turkana leaders and President William Ruto over runway insecurity in the region.
Lomorukai asked security personnel to apprehend politicians funding banditry attacks in Turkana and also seal loopholes through which ammunition and illicit firearms fall in the hands of bandits.
On his part, Samburu Governor Jonathan Leleliit paid tribute to the late Kanyaman for her courageous spirit and dedication to her job during her tenure as a County Executive in Samburu County.
He assured of his County’s commitment to collaborate in pursuing peace between members of the Turkana and Samburu communities.
Other leaders who spoke included constitutional lawyer Dr. Ekuru Aukot, Turkana Senator James Lomenen, women rep Cecilia Ng’itit, MPs Emathe Namuar (Turkana Central), Epuyo Nanok (Turkana West) and Nicholas Ng’ikor (Turkana East), among others.
Also present were MCAs, members of the clergy as well as Turkana and Samburu professionals.
By Peter Gitonga
