Turkana Governor Lomorukai Missing in Action as Turkana North MP Hon. Ekwom Nabuin Leads Response Efforts Following Todonyang Massacre

Last Updated on March 3, 2025 by Turkana County News Online

The recent massacre of more than 30 Turkana fishermen by heavily armed Ethiopian militias has once again highlighted the fragile security situation along the Kenya-Ethiopia border. The attack, which took place on February 22, 2024, near the Omo River, saw Dassanech militias indiscriminately open fire on unsuspecting Turkana fishermen, leaving a trail of death and destruction.

Authorities, including Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita, confirmed the attack but could not immediately establish the number of casualties. The incident is believed to be a retaliatory attack after suspected Turkana bandits allegedly shot and killed three Dassanech fishermen on the Ethiopian side of the border.

Hon. Ekwom Nabuin’s Rapid Response to the Crisis

In the wake of this tragedy, Turkana North MP Hon. Ekwom Nabuin has emerged as a pillar of support for the affected families. Since the attack, he has been on the ground, mobilizing both government institutions and humanitarian organizations to aid in the search for missing fishermen and assist affected families.

His swift action, in collaboration with County Commissioner Julius Kavita and Islamic Foundation for Integrated Programs (IFIP) chairman Rodgers Semenya, has seen crucial humanitarian aid delivered to victims’ families. This includes food, psychological support, and assistance in the ongoing search for those who are still missing.

The MP has also called for enhanced security in the volatile border region, urging the national government to deploy more security forces to prevent future attacks. His proactive approach has reassured residents that their plight is not being ignored and has set a strong example of leadership during a time of crisis.

The Silence of Other Leaders

While Hon. Ekwom Nabuin has taken the lead in addressing the massacre, other leaders, notably Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, have been noticeably absent. The governor’s lack of a public response has not gone unnoticed, with residents questioning his commitment to their security and well-being in times of need.

A quick look at his social media activity further fuels the frustration—his immediate last post before the attack was on February 14, with his next post appearing on March 2, where he wished the Muslim community a blessed Ramadan. Nowhere has he addressed the Todonyang attack, raising concerns about his priorities and leadership during crises.

The contrast between his silence and Hon. Nabuin’s swift intervention underscores the need for more leaders to actively support their constituents during crises.

A Call for Collective Action

The Todonyang massacre is a stark reminder of the persistent insecurity challenges along the Kenya-Ethiopia border. While Hon. Ekwom Nabuin has demonstrated exemplary leadership, the scale of the crisis demands a concerted effort from all leaders—both at the county and national levels.

As the situation unfolds, the hope is that more voices will rise to demand justice for the victims and lasting peace for the region. The resilience of the Turkana people must be met with equal dedication from their leaders to ensure such tragedies do not happen again.