Senate Speaker Amason Kingi on Thursday, December 4, 2025, captured national attention after stepping out in Kalenjin traditional regalia during the annual Kapkugo Cultural Festival.

The festival, one of the most significant cultural gatherings for the Kalenjin nation, brings together members of all 10 subtribes in a symbolic pilgrimage to celebrate shared heritage, unity, and ancestral identity.

Kingi, who was warmly received by hundreds of attendees, joined community elders, cultural custodians, and political leaders in marking the event, which is deeply rooted in Kalenjin history.

Expression of cultural pride

Taking to his official X account shortly after the event, Kingi described the festival as a powerful expression of cultural pride and historical continuity.

“The annual Kapkugo Cultural Festival stands out as a momentous occasion that brings together the 10 Kalenjin subtribes in a pilgrimage that celebrates their common heritage, fosters unity, and inspires impact. The festival provides a platform to members of the Kalenjin community to reconnect with their colourful history, trace and share indelible ancestral knowledge, and reignite their pride as one people,” Kingi wrote on X.

Annual symbolic walk

A major highlight of the event was the annual symbolic walk, retracing the community’s legendary migration from ancient Egypt along the Nile River to Kapkugo, considered the cradle of the Kalenjin people and home of their patriarch.

Kingi noted that this ritual not only honours the past but also inspires future generations to uphold unity and cultural values.

He was joined by several high-ranking leaders, including Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, and Bungoma Senator David Wakoli Wafula, among others.

“A key feature of the festival is the annual symbolic walk in memory of the community’s great trek from Egypt, along the River Nile, until they reached Kapkugo, the cradle of the community and home of their patriarch. I was honoured to join members of the community at the event that was also attended by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Bungoma Governor, Hon Kenneth Lusaka, and Bungoma Senator, Hon David Wakoli Wafula, among others,” Kingi stated.