This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
On August 15, 2019, the Ekalees Centre in Lodwar, Turkana County, played host to the Tobong'u Lore Cultural Festival, a celebration of tradition and modernity. The festival, which will run until Saturday, has drawn in over 10,000 dignitaries, including Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Traditional dancers from Loima, including Vincent Lomong'iro, 70, and James Abei, prepared for the festivities, showcasing their rich cultural heritage. The men wore headgear made of white and black ostrich feathers, while the women had special beads worn around their necks with heads painted with ochre on their mohawked hair.
According to Vincent Lomong'iro, the headgear worn by men signifies their status in society, indicating their age set and whether they have undergone initiation or traditional marriage ceremonies.
The festival offers a platform for participants to appreciate, showcase, and maintain their culture for posterity, said Lomong'iro. Emily Losekon also emphasized the importance of the festival in promoting peace and development in the region.
As the festival gets underway, the County Director of Trade and Investments, James Lokwale, noted that the event will translate into an expanded customer base for traders in Turkana, providing a socio-economic boost to the county's trade and tourism sectors.
