The Turkana Council of Elders has new office bearers after the second official election was conducted on Saturday.
The election was conducted yesterday at Ceamo Village Lodwar in the presence of Ag. Director of Culture, Lemmy Ejorewoia and a host of culture and administration officers
A total of 70 members, representing all the sub-counties, agreed to elect the officials through secret ballot with Ejorewoia presiding over the elections as the Returning Officer.
Abraham Lokuwom emerged the winner after garnering 54 votes out of the 70 votes cast, while his only opponent Ekaran Abok garnered 16 votes.
Also elected was Samuel Eregae as the Vice chairperson, Cosmas Namaa as the Secretary and John Kaatho as the vice secretary.
During the treasurer’s position election, two contestants were competing namely Ekalale Lochakula who garnered 58 votes against his opponent Ekunoit who managed 10 votes. Benjamin Ebenyo was elected as the vice treasurer.
Also elected was the coordinator Peter Lomiinyi who garnered 53 votes against his opponent Philip Eyanae Emathe who managed 15 votes.
Speaking after the endorsement, Lokuwom decried the erosion of Turkana culture, which he vowed to restore during his tenure.
He said the roots of Turkana culture and their origin was slowly diminishing and, unless prompt action was taken, the community would not have anything to be proud of, in the coming days.
As a community, he added, the Turkana people have a wealth of cultural traditions that for decades had shielded them from engaging in wrong doing, but instead fostered unity of purpose.
“We have to call several meetings aimed at restoring some cultural values that used to keep us together as a community,” said Lokuwom.
He further said, “As a people we have to trace our origin and establish were we have come from and where we are heading to, else if we were not careful, a time will come when we will look back and regret.”
The Chairperson asked the culture department to allocate funds to train the elders on the content of the constitution to be used in management of council affairs.
Also present were members of the local security team led by the Officer Commanding Station David Mutegi and the Turkana central police boss Lemmy Njiru.
By Peter Gitonga
