Why Did Former Turkana Chief Officer Derrick Epae Koli Step Down?
Last Updated on April 8, 2025 by Turkana County News Online
The abrupt resignation of Derrick Epae Koli, also known as Lokwateba, from his position as Chief Officer in Turkana County has raised numerous questions.
His former position was recently advertised, and shortlisted candidates have already been interviewed, fueling speculation about the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Political Ambitions and Controversies
In 2022, Derrick Epae was among the nominees for the position of Speaker of the Turkana County Assembly. However, his candidacy was rejected.
Records indicate that he had not resigned from his previous role as Principal Clerk Assistant at the Senate within the required timeframe. Similarly, Abraham Ekai Losinyen, the then Chief Officer in the Turkana County Government, resigned only on September 1, 2022, while Epae submitted his resignation on September 12, 2022.
According to election regulations, both should have stepped down at least six months before the nomination date.
Due to these technicalities, Nakuleu was declared Speaker of the Turkana County Assembly unopposed after five other nominees, including Epae, were disqualified.
Legal tussles Against Disqualification
Following his disqualification from the Speaker’s race, Epae challenged the decision in court. However, the ruling upheld the disqualification, barring him from contesting for the position.
Appointment as Chief Officer
Despite this setback, Epae remained influential in Turkana politics. In 2023, Governor Lomorukai appointed him as the Chief Officer for Administration and Disaster Management. The county assembly approved his nomination alongside other key officials, including:
▪️Ekeno Lodunga – Chief Officer, Office of the Governor
▪️Cecilia Majuma Etaan – Chief Officer, Public Service
▪️Rebecca Akuwam Lomalia – Chief Officer, Resource Mobilization, Partnerships, and Donor Coordination
Transfer to a New Department
In April 2024, Governor Lomorukai reshuffled his administration, moving Epae from the Department of Administration and Disaster Management to the Department of Municipalities and Urban Areas Management.
Shortly after this transition, Epae resigned under unclear circumstances, leading to speculation about internal conflicts or political maneuvering. His position was later filled by Peter Lomorukai.
Future Political Aspirations
Following his resignation, Epae has remained active in the political scene and is now preparing to contest for the Turkana South parliamentary seat in the 2027 elections. His political journey has been marked by resilience, and it remains to be seen how his next move will shape his career.
As events continue to unfold, questions linger about the real reasons behind his resignation and how they might influence his future political ambitions.
