Governor, MP trade accusations over protests amid rising political tension

Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has dismissed allegations by Loima MP Protus Akujah, that the County Government was responsible for recent protests in the constituency.

Speaking at the burial of the late Councillor Philiph Eyanae Lobelu on Tuesday, Governor Lomorukai dismissed the accusations as baseless, asserting that Loima residents have a constitutional right to demand transparency on the use of public resources.

He claimed that some politicians including Dr. Akujah, were engaging in political rhetoric to divert attention from concerns surrounding the management of National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) resources.

The governor paid tribute to Lobelu, a former Kenya Army veteran and respected community leader, whose contributions to the region were described as courageous and service-oriented. Lomorukai emphasized his administration's commitment to transparency and the development of the county, reiterating that political tactics aimed at undermining genuine grievances would not deter his government from working.

This came came after Akujah issued a statement accusing the county government of orchestrating the protests in order to interfere with investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into alleged corruption involving senior county officials.

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The MP claimed that the demonstrations were part of a broader political strategy to discredit his leadership and protect those implicated in the EACC probe, which included a recent raid on the homes of county officials.

However, some residents have expressed dissatisfaction with Akujah’s leadership, alleging lack of transparency in the distribution of NG-CDF resources, particularly bursaries and local development. The called for full audit of NG-CDF operations in the constituency.

But the MP termed the accusations political manipulation saying the protests were a legitimate expression of public discontent.

He condemned the alleged use of public resources to incite protests, saying it is a violation of public trust that undermines democratic principles.

MP urged the Turkana community to remain vigilant and advocate for greater transparency and accountability in governance.

The differences between the governor and Akujah highlights have worsened the political tension in the county.

The MP has declared interest to vie for governorship in the 2027 General Election.