State inaugurates Ateker Leaders Council in Lodwar to curb cross-border insecurity

HAMISI JUMA-MYGOV

The Government has inaugurated the Ateker Leaders Council – Kenya Chapter, a platform designed to strengthen peace, cooperation and development among communities that share language, culture and history across Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

The launch, held in Lodwar, Turkana County, brought together leaders from the Turkana, Teso, and other Ateker groups, marking a significant step toward addressing cross-border insecurity and fostering dialogue in a region long troubled by conflict.

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, presided over the ceremony, describing the council as a community-driven initiative rooted in shared identity.

“We are bound together by language, culture, and a shared way of life. Our forefathers moved freely across these lands, united by trust and tradition,” he said.

He emphasized that sustainable peace must be anchored within communities themselves, urging leaders to take ownership of the process.

“Peace cannot be imported. It must begin within our communities. When elders speak, communities listen and when leaders come together, people follow,” said Dr Omollo.

The Ateker Council is expected to provide a structured mechanism for tackling insecurity, particularly cattle rustling and banditry, while promoting inclusive development.

Dr. Omollo reminded leaders that no institution can succeed without grassroots involvement.

“Leadership now requires you to go back to the communities, engage them, and ensure they are part of this process,” he said.

The launch also came amid heightened government security operations in northern Kenya.

Dr. Omollo used the occasion to issue a stern warning against criminal gangs and political violence, declaring that perpetrators would face decisive action.

“Criminal gangs and political goonism are a national challenge and will not be tolerated. Any individual or leader who engages in or facilitates such acts will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” he said. 

He highlighted the devastating impact of armed groups on pastoralist communities and confirmed that disarmament operations had been intensified to remove illegal firearms from circulation.

“We have recorded significant recoveries of illegal firearms, and the operation will continue for as long as the threat persists,” he noted.

While acknowledging concerns raised by local leaders about the conduct of the mop-up exercise, Dr. Omollo assured residents that the government remained responsive but uncompromising on public safety.

“We have engaged local leadership on concerns raised and will address them, but the objective remains clear, ensuring that firearms are not in the hands of criminals,” he said.

The Principal Secretary also stressed the importance of impartiality among law enforcement agencies and accountability through the justice system.

“Law enforcement agencies must act impartially, and the justice system must ensure that those apprehended are prosecuted based on evidence,” he said.

Beyond security, Dr. Omollo linked peace to inclusive development, pointing to ongoing government investments in hospitals, schools, housing and infrastructure in Turkana and other marginalized regions.

“At the heart of lasting peace is inclusive development. We must invest in hospitals, schools, and livelihoods to ensure that our people benefit from national progress. No region should be left behind. Turkana is part of Kenya, and development here is being prioritised just as it is across the country,” he affirmed.

On civic participation, he reported progress in the issuance of national identification documents and voter registration in border counties.

He noted that restrictive vetting processes that had historically disadvantaged these communities had been removed, allowing citizens to participate more fully in national processes.

“For the first time, border counties are no longer subjected to restrictive vetting processes. We have made it easier for citizens to obtain identification documents and participate fully,” he said, commending Turkana County for leading in registration efforts.