Turkana set for Tobong’u Lore Fest

Participants will converge at Ekalees Center in Lodwar town on December 9 until 11. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Turkana County is all set to host local and international visitors for a cultural festival slated for December 9, according to Governor Josphat Nanok.

The festival known as Tobong’u Lore or Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is a celebration of indigenous culture.

The event is hosted by local indigenous communities to promote peace, cultural exchange, and tourism. The festival has also been attracting prominent politicians and businesspeople.

Nanok told The Standard that residents will use the sixth edition of the festival to exhibit the rich cultures.

“The festival has been used to end the historical animosities that have existed among the Turkana community of Kenya, Uganda’s Karamoja, Toposa from Southern Sudan, and Ethiopia’s the Dasnach. The festival has been central in our efforts to end conflicts among these communities,” Nanok said on Monday.

He added: “The Tobong’u Lore has enabled the Turkana community to maintain its cultural identity. During the festival, neighbouring communities are also allowed to showcase their cultural heritage to the world.”

During the festival, traditional food, dances, and athletics competitions by local runners are normally on display.

Nanok urged residents and the business community to take advantage of the event and display their goods and services.

The cultural event was postponed last year due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nanok has directed the department of health to ensure health guidelines to stem the spread of the virus are adhered to during the event.

The festival will bring together communities from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia with a view of fostering peace and cohesion among these communities.

Participants will converge at Ekalees Center in Lodwar town on December 9 until 11.