•They Have Demanded Apology from Karua, Kalonzo, and Ngunyi
Isiolo, Kenya| Professionals and leaders from the Turkana community residing in Isiolo County have strongly condemned remarks made by opposition leaders Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi concerning the recent nomination of Mr. Erastus Edung Ethekon as Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a series of press conferences and a formal petition addressed to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the community described the comments as ethnically charged, derogatory, and emblematic of long-standing prejudice against marginalized communities.
The remarks allegedly referred to Ethekon as “a person from the bush,” “a dinosaur,” and “a person from nowhere”—phrases the community leaders said were not only demeaning to Mr. Ethekon personally but also a direct insult to the Turkana people.
Community Demands Redress and Public Apology
Led by Reverend Samuel Lokoro of the Turkana Council of Elders, the community called on the NCIC to immediately investigate the statements, terming them unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Lokoro emphasized that Mr. Ethekon is a qualified professional who served as Turkana County’s Attorney General and underwent a rigorous, merit-based selection process by the IEBC nomination panel.
“All the shortlisted candidates were subjected to a thorough vetting process, and Mr. Ethekon emerged as the most suitable. He is educated, experienced, and deserving of the nomination,” Rev. Lokoro stated.
Human rights activist and women’s representative Grace Lolim echoed the sentiment, describing the comments as unacceptable and regressive.
“These statements are not only an affront to Mr. Ethekon but are also meant to portray pastoralist communities as unfit for national leadership. We reject that narrative in the strongest terms possible,” said Lolim.
Call for Political and Legal Accountability
Wilson Kaabon, a youth leader and community representative, asserted that Kenya belongs to all its citizens and warned against attempts to undermine the unity of the nation along ethnic lines.
“Such careless and tribal utterances erode national cohesion. Every Kenyan, regardless of background, deserves a fair chance at leadership,” he said.
The community leaders have issued a seven-day ultimatum for Karua, Kalonzo, and Ngunyi to issue a public apology.
Failing this, they vowed to mobilize peaceful protests nationwide and consider legal action to defend the dignity of the Turkana people.
Andrew Mola Ilere, representing Turkana professionals, called on institutions such as the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), of which Karua and Kalonzo are members, to distance themselves from the remarks and uphold professional ethics.
“We expect professional bodies to lead by example in promoting unity and inclusivity, not to remain silent when their members are perpetuating tribal bigotry,” Ilere said.
Commendation of President Ruto and Appeal to Parliament
In contrast to the criticism aimed at the opposition figures, the Turkana leaders lauded President William Ruto for what they described as a historic and inclusive nomination.
Pastor Samuel Elupe, one of the speakers, hailed the decision as a positive indicator that all Kenyan communities—including those historically marginalized—can ascend to positions of national significance.
“This nomination shows that leadership in Kenya is not the preserve of a few privileged regions. It is a statement that we all belong and can contribute meaningfully to the future of this country,” Elupe remarked.
The community also urged Parliament to act swiftly and confirm Mr. Ethekon and other nominees put forward by the IEBC selection panel, emphasizing the importance of moving forward with the electoral reform agenda.
A National Call for Unity
In their unified message, the Turkana leaders called on all Kenyans to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace a vision of Kenya that includes and respects every community.
“Ethnic profiling has no place in a democratic society. Our nation’s diversity is our strength—not a weakness,” read the joint statement signed by community leaders.
As the IEBC leadership transition unfolds, the controversy underscores broader tensions around representation, marginalization, and respect for Kenya’s ethnic diversity.
Whether the opposition leaders respond to the Turkana community’s demands remains to be seen, but the episode has ignited a national conversation on who gets to lead—and how that leadership is perceived.
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