Turkana West MP Epuyo Decries the State of the County, Laments Governance Crisis, Loss of the People’s Collective Vision
Last Updated on February 26, 2025 by Turkana County News Online
Turkana West MP, Epuyo Nanok, has painted a grim picture of Turkana County, lamenting the state of governance and the loss of the people’s collective vision. He recalled how, during his school days, “Turkana County—the land of our forefathers, once vast and untamed, stretching over 77,000 square kilometers.” However, over the years, official records have shown varying figures—some listing it as 69,000, others as 68,000. “How does a landmass change in size without moving?” he asked, suggesting that this inconsistency mirrored the broader governance challenges facing the county.
Reflecting on the introduction of devolution in 2013, Nanok described it as a transformative moment for Turkana. “Then came the dawn of devolution in 2013, a game-changer,” he said. “For the first time, Turkana could manage its own billions, set its own priorities, and oversee its own development.” The promise of an end to marginalization brought immense hope. “It was a dream too good to be true—a promise that marginalization was behind us,” he remarked. However, he now wonders if that optimism was misplaced. “But were we wrong in our optimism?”
After fifteen years of devolved governance, the county has cycled through three administrations, with a fourth set to be elected in 2027. Yet, instead of progress, Nanok believes Turkana has been consumed by internal struggles. “Turkana is becoming a monster that devours its own children,” he lamented. He accused the county’s leadership of being overtaken by selfish interests, with personal gain—what he termed Epaida—taking precedence over the common good. “The spirit of Epaida—personal gain—has drowned out the common good,” he stated. Governance, he argued, had shifted from a focus on collective welfare to individual enrichment. “It is no longer about our county, but my share. The question is no longer what can we do for Turkana, but what can Turkana do for me?”
As discussions of impeachment swirl, Nanok questioned the true motivation behind these moves. “And now, whispers of impeachment fill the air,” he noted. But he wondered aloud, “Let’s be honest—will it be about accountability, or will it all boil down to Epaida?”
In his passionate address, Nanok called for reflection, urging leaders and citizens alike to reclaim the original vision of devolution—one that prioritizes development and the welfare of the people over personal gain. The question remains: can Turkana be saved from itself, or will it continue down a path of self-destruction?
