By Reuben Olita -Busia
Economic empowerment and education took centre stage during this year’s Iteso Cultural Day celebrations held on Friday at Kakapel in Teso North Sub-County, with leaders urging the community to prioritise learning and unity to accelerate development.
Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) leader Emormor Paul Sande Emolot, together with political leaders led by Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President Arthur Amug Osiya, said the community would work closely with President William Ruto’s administration to channel resources aimed at uplifting the Iteso.
Emormor announced the launch of an ICU education fund targeting students from Iteso communities in Kenya and Uganda, as well as related communities, including the Turkana, Nyangatom, Toposa and Karimojong.
“We are behind by nearly 139 years compared to other communities, but through education, we can significantly reduce this gap by ensuring our children pursue competitive courses,” said Emormor. PAS in the Executive Office of the President revealed the President has appointed former CECM in the county government of Busia, Moses Osia Mwanje as Member of Council of Kaimos University.
He also raised concern over the stalled Kakapel Cultural Centre building, warning against another embarrassing situation during the 2026 celebrations. Emormor revealed that he had written to Busia Governor Paul Otuoma seeking approval for ICU to take over the project, noting that Tororo Cement, a subsidiary of Mombasa Cement had committed to complete the centre.
Nairobi City Assembly Majority Leader Peter Imwatok urged leaders to make personal sacrifices towards the project, pledging Ksh1 million and challenging other leaders to contribute.Imwatok contributed a further Ksh100,000 to be shared among performing dance groups. He also bought 55 cartons of water.
Engineer Vincent Sidai pledged Ksh100,000, while Teso North MP Oku Kaunya committed Ksh100,000, with his wife pledging an additional Ksh50,000. U.S.-based Herman Odionyi also pledged Ksh100,000.
However, PAS Osiya opposed the proposal for leaders to take over the project, describing the site as a “crime scene” that requires proper procedures before any takeover. Instead, he proposed the construction of an office for the cultural leader at next to the same venue and pledged Ksh1 million towards the initiative.
Leaders also called on the community to support the government of the day, saying alignment with the ruling administration would bring political and economic benefits.
MP Oku Kaunya urged unity among the Iteso, noting that the community has historically been sidelined in national appointments. He called on the president to consider qualified Iteso professionals for senior government positions.
The event was attended by Assistant County Commissioner Charles Cheseto, ICU Deputy Prime Minister Fredrick Adungo, Director in the Office of the President Charles Ramaina, and Teso North Sub-County Administrator Silas Jumah, among others.
