Senate Speaker Kingi renews calls for implementation of TJRC report

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has renewed calls for the implementation of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) Report.

The speaker who was the chief guest during the official opening of the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival at Loiyangalani in Marsabit on Friday, said the full implementation of the report will foster reconciliation and address the past historical injustices meted against the people of Northern Kenya.

He said the shelved report will help to address the prevailing challenges including economic injustices.

Leaders at the Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival. (Photo: Courtesy)

Kingi urged the communities in Marsabit County to embrace peaceful coexistence and shun interethnic animosity that claimed many lives in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (Asal) region.

Peace and unity

He emphasised the importance of using cultural events to promote peace and unity.

Leaders at the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival at Loiyangalani in Marsabit County on 24 November 2023. (Photo: Courtesy)

“Many communities have gathered here to share their cultural heritage. This is a unifying event where people celebrate together and advocate for the preservation of their cultural heritage," said the Speaker.

Mandera Senator Ali Roba urged the pastoralist community to embrace intercultural events as a tool to promote peace and harmony.

Leaders at the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival at Loiyangalani in Marsabit County on 24 November 2023. (Photo: Courtesy)

He said the annual event needs to be emulated due to its significance on tourist attraction, increase in revenue and building cohesion and integration.

The host, Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali, said the cultural event held annually, is celebrated to foster unity and promote the county as a potential tourist destination in Kenya.

The scene at the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival at Loiyangalani in Marsabit County on 24 November 2023. (Photo: Courtesy)

Among the other guests at the three-day event are Senator for Isiolo County Fatuma Dullo and Marsabit Women representative Naomi Waqo.

The event attracted several ethnic communities including the Borana, Gabra, Burji, Rendille, Somali, Turkana, Dasannach, Watta, and ElMolo among others who exhibited their rich cultural heritage at the event.

Leaders at the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival at Loiyangalani in Marsabit County on 24 November 2023. (Photo: Courtesy)

Leaders at the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival at Loiyangalani in Marsabit County on 24 November 2023. (Photo: Courtesy)