President William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga are poised to participate in the Turkana cultural festival known as Tobong’u Lore, which takes place in Lodwar, Turkana County.
This annual event, now in its seventh year, not only offers a platform to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Turkana people but also emphasizes Turkana’s historical significance as the cradle of mankind.
President William Ruto is scheduled to attend the festival on Thursday, with Raila Odinga expected to grace the event on Friday.
A statement from the ODM Party’s director of communications, Philip Etale, has disclosed that Odinga will deliver a keynote address focusing on devolution.
His speech is anticipated to highlight the advantages of devolution and the need to enhance it further for the development of devolved units in Kenya.
The Turkana cultural festival has evolved into a significant annual event on the Kenyan calendar, attracting visitors and dignitaries from all corners of the nation.
The festival features vibrant cultural displays and celebrations that showcase the unique traditions and heritage of the Turkana people, effectively highlighting their pivotal role within Kenya’s mosaic of diverse cultures.
What adds a layer of intrigue to this year’s festival is the backdrop of the looming “handshake” talks.
The handshake agreement, forged between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga in 2018, marked a pivotal turning point in Kenya’s political landscape, aiming to foster national unity and reconciliation following the divisive 2017 elections.
As Ruto and Raila come together in Turkana, the political undercurrents are palpable.
All eyes will be on the interactions between these two political heavyweights, as they navigate the unique blend of culture and politics that the Turkana festival represents.
In the heart of this captivating cultural event, the convergence of political leaders Ruto and Raila promises to offer a glimpse into Kenya’s rich heritage and its ever-evolving political dynamics, particularly against the backdrop of the ongoing “handshake” talks.