A heightened sense of anticipation has gripped Turkana County following confirmation that President William Ruto is scheduled to visit Todonyang’, a volatile border area in Turkana North.
The announcement was made by Turkana County Woman Representative, Cecilia Ngitit Asinyen, during the burial ceremony of the late Mama Veronica Loitoi Ejore at Rukruk village in Lowarengak.
The visit, Asinyen revealed, was one of the key outcomes of a recent meeting between Turkana leaders and the President at State House, Nairobi.
During the meeting, leaders briefed the president on the security crisis in Todonyang’, where a recent attack left several local fishermen dead, reportedly at the hands of armed militia from neighbouring Ethiopia.
“The president gave his assurance that he will personally visit Todonyang’. Already, funds have been released for the upgrading of local facilities in preparation for his arrival,” said Asinyen.
She underscored that the visit signifies the national government’s commitment to addressing persistent security challenges and promoting peace along the Kenya–Ethiopia border.
According to Asinyen, the president’s presence will not only serve as a symbol of solidarity with the affected communities but will also reinforce ongoing peace efforts aimed at fostering harmonious coexistence between the Turkana and the Merrille communities, who jointly rely on Lake Turkana for fishing and related livelihoods.
She further called for decisive action concerning Ethiopian nationals allegedly residing within Kenyan territory, specifically in Lopeimukat and Natiira.
“We must be clear that these areas lie within Kenya. As we pursue lasting peace, it is imperative that these individuals are relocated,” she stated firmly.
The Woman Representative expressed confidence that the president’s visit will catalyse efforts by both national and county governments to restore security, resolve longstanding territorial disputes, and place Todonyang’ on a path towards socio-economic transformation.
