Political Leadership in Turkana, The Critical Need for Unity Beyond Rivalries.

By Ekaale Ekuam
September 18, 2024
Leadership, whether in politics, corporate circles, or personal life, has long been judged by how one guides those under their charge. The essence of true leadership transcends the mere accumulation of power or position. It is the art of fostering growth, encouraging collaboration, and ensuring that the people entrusted to you succeed in their roles. As I once wrote in one of many articles, "Leadership isn't merely about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in our charge." However, one fundamental flaw persists in leadership across all levels, we don’t teach people how to lead effectively. Nowhere is this flaw more evident than in the political landscape of Turkana.
Across the national political spectrum, we frequently see once-bitter rivals reconciling, shaking hands, and working together for the greater good. This is a testament to a mature political culture, where differences, no matter how intense, are mended for the sake of progress. The phrase, "there are no permanent enemies in politics," often holds true in these national settings. Yet, in Turkana, this political wisdom seems distant and unachievable. Political rivalries have not only grown deep but have become personal, entrenched to a point where reconciliation appears impossible.
Since the 2013 elections, some Turkana’s political leaders have struggled to bury the hatchet. Political enemies remain just that, enemies. The political competitiveness of that period continues to overshadow any potential for collaboration. This phenomenon raises the question, why can’t political leaders in Turkana rise above their personal grievances to work for the greater good of the region? While national leaders reconcile for the sake of their constituencies, Turkana remains mired in old rivalries. These grudges have not only stifled political discourse but have deprived the county of progress and shared prosperity.
The impact of this division is more than just a political inconvenience. It has permeated every facet of development, particularly the allocation of opportunities and resources. Where nationally, political adversaries often find themselves appointed to influential roles in government despite past differences, in Turkana, past political affiliations remain a key determinant of whether one secures an opportunity or not. Those who once stood on the opposing side of a political rivalry are routinely denied a chance to serve, with their ambitions thwarted by the grudges of a few individuals in power. These leaders, unable to rise above the personal bitterness of past political seasons, actively prevent their rivals from contributing to the county’s growth.
This deeply personal brand of political leadership is costing Turkana dearly. The so-called "national cake," shared generously among different regions and leaders at the national level, remains elusive for Turkana. A select few individuals, driven by old enmities, continue to divide the resources, denying countless qualified Turkana professionals a chance to serve both the county and the nation.
It is time for the county’s leadership to embrace a broader perspective. Serving in a public position requires one to rise above personal interests and past rivalries. Leaders must remember that they were not elected to serve themselves or their allies but to serve the people who placed their trust in them. Leadership is a public business. It cannot be confined to the corridors of power without accountability. Just as the 2010 Constitution clearly articulates, every leader, including county employees, must be accountable to the people they serve.
The truth is, leadership in Turkana should not be about political factions or vendettas. It should be about improving the lives of the people. If leaders are to secure a better future for Turkana, they must take care of the people under their charge, empowering them to become political ambassadors in their absence. These ambassadors are not just political allies, but ordinary citizens who can speak to the tangible impact leadership has had on their lives. They must be allowed to voice the improvements made and the opportunities provided. For Turkana to move forward, its leaders must recognize that real leadership is about accountability being responsible to the people, day and night, as a duty to those who entrusted them with power.
Political leadership in Turkana must move beyond personal grudges. It must embrace the potential of all Turkana professionals and citizens, regardless of their past affiliations, to serve their people. If not, Turkana will continue to miss out on the opportunities readily available at the national level.
The time has come for Turkana's leadership to be more inclusive, to provide opportunities for all, and to foster an environment where political differences can be reconciled for the greater good. This is not only a political necessity but a moral imperative. Leadership is not about who you exclude but about who you elevate. It is about giving everyone, regardless of past or present political positions, the opportunity to serve Turkana and contribute to its future.
Unity is Key.
The Author,
Is a Freelance Writer, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management Consultant.