Turkana County holds 8th edition of the Tobong’u Lore cultural festival

The 8th edition of Turkana County’s cultural festival, popularly known as the Tobong'u Lore, began on Thursday, attracting thousands of local and foreign visitors.

Cultural exhibitions, the crowning of Miss Tourism Turkana, traditional dances and entertainment performance will be held from October 24-27.

President William Ruto is expected to officially open the festival on Friday.

Besides promoting the rich and cultural heritage of the community in Turkana, the event will also promote peace, attracting the communities from the neighbouring South Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia who will participate in the cultural event.

According to the county government, a total of 12 models were selected from a pool of 20 candidates from different parts of the county in the contest for the Miss Tourism Turkana pageant which is part of the main events in the Tobong'u Lore festival.

Linda Ang'elei, a trainer and a former title holder of the contest, said the contestants who are from different parts of the county have been prepared to showcase their beauty and expose their knowledge on the region's rich cultural heritage, natural resources and tourism potential.

"These young ladies are not just competing for a crown, they are ambassadors of our culture and heritage. They have shown incredible commitment, and I believe they are all winners in their own right. Today we will celebrate their hard work and their pride during the cultural event," Ang'elei said.

Some of the 12 contestants selected to compete for the Miss Tourism Turkana title. (Photo: Issa Hussein)

Ahead of the traditional and the cultural event, there was a football peace tournament on Wednesday which was a build- up to the festival.

The "Sports for Peace" tournament attracted 14 teams from the neighbouring counties of West Pokot, Baringo and also from South Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda.

Lokichoggio Sub-County won the Ateker Peace Tournament after a penalty shootout with Loima team.

Turkana Governor Jeremial Lomorukai and his West Pokot counterpart Simon Kachapin, who graced the tournament held at Lodwar Primary School, commended the participants for showcasing the role of games in promoting peaceful coexistence and cohesion among the pastoralist communities who were involved in historical conflicts and cattle rustling.