Opinion: Unlucky or God’s Time is Yet for the Bishop?
Lodepe’s series of setbacks has left many wondering whether he is simply unlucky or if, as some might say, God's time for him has not yet arrived. Only time will tell what the future holds for the determined bishop-turned-politician.
Last Updated on March 16, 2025 by Turkana County News Online
The political journey of Bishop John Lodepe Nakara has been one of resilience, ambition, and, some might say, misfortune. From gubernatorial aspirations to presidential appointments and now a contested bid for the Turkana County Assembly Speaker position, his path has been anything but smooth.
In 2022, Lodepe contested for the Turkana gubernatorial seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket but lost. Before that, he had served as the Turkana Central Member of Parliament for two terms, solidifying his political presence in the region.
Despite his gubernatorial setback, fortune seemed to smile upon him when he was appointed Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in President William Ruto’s administration. However, his tenure was short-lived as the High Court ruled the CAS position unconstitutional, leading to its abolishment.
Undeterred, Lodepe found a new political lifeline when he was appointed as an advisor in the Office of the deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki. But his ambitions did not end there. His latest bid for the position of Speaker in the Turkana County Assembly ended in disappointment.
In the first round of voting, he was eliminated early, leaving Charles Lokiyoto and Abraham Losinyen to battle it out in the second round. Ultimately, Lokiyoto emerged victorious with 30 votes against Losinyen’s 14.
A lingering question remains: did Lodepe properly resign from his advisory role before vying for the Speaker’s position? Article 193(2)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya disqualifies state or public officers from being elected as members of a county assembly unless they resign before seeking election. Whether this constitutional requirement was fulfilled in his case is unclear.
Lodepe’s series of setbacks has left many wondering whether he is simply unlucky or if, as some might say, God’s time for him has not yet arrived. Only time will tell what the future holds for the determined bishop-turned-politician.
