Tiaty West Deputy County commissioner Jackton Orieny has banned a traditional December extravaganza dubbed, ‘Noruwondo,’ which literally means ‘No Sleep’ in the local Kalenjin dialect.
According to Orieny, the government has made the decision in order to safeguard young girls and boys who often get exploited during the overnight festival, which involves smoking of weed, alcohol and other immoral activities.
“If you are planning to attend ‘Noruwondo’ go at your own risk,” the deputy county commissioner told a gathering during the launch of a Sh10 million European Union livelihood support project at AIC Chemolingot grounds Monday.
He said that they have received reports that the festival is scheduled to take place during Boxing Day, which they will not entertain.
Orieny threatened to take action on the planners of the event, noting that they have even gone ahead to obtain a permit.
The deputy county commissioner decried that such festivals have had devastating consequences in the past, citing high number of teenage pregnancies and drop out cases amongst school going children in the area.
The same sentiments were echoed by his Tiaty East counterpart Josiah Odongo who asked area chiefs, and their assistants as well as village elders to be on high alert to ensure the event does not take place.
Odongo added that it would be wrong to organize such a festival which is clearly targeting minors, who are not yet in a position to make informed decisions in life.
The deputy county commissioner said there were other better ways of making good use of this long December holiday, like parents enrolling their children for innovation courses, agribusiness and productive other engagement that can mould them for posterity.
By Benson Kelio and Joshua Kibet
