Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has issued a scathing rebuke to Tiaty Member of Parliament William Kamket, accusing him of fuelling conflict in the region.

He also said that Kamket is implicating senior government officials in an illicit meat export trade that he says is impoverishing locals and perpetuating insecurity.

Speaking in Lodwar on Tuesday, June 4, 2025, Lomorukai condemned recent incidents of violence and blamed political incitement for escalating tensions along the volatile Turkana–Baringo border.

His comments come just days after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula called for unity among leaders in the North Rift region and urged them to abandon the cycle of cattle rustling and bloodshed.

“The problem is not the ordinary Turkana or Pokot. The problem is leaders who benefit from chaos,” said Governor Lomorukai.

“Some of them incite people to burn others alive. That thing cannot be accepted in the current Kenya, in our 21st century.”

Demand for accountability

The Governor accused the legislator of stirring animosity and enabling violence while local communities bear the brunt of the consequences.

“These perpetrators cause damages, and yet it is the county government that ends up paying,” he said. “We are left with very little for development, while those who incite this chaos walk free.”

 Lomorukai further claimed that powerful individuals in the national government are involved in a shadowy meat export business, exploiting pastoralist communities while reaping massive profits.

“We must investigate what is going on,” he said. “There is business being done by some group some very rich and renowned men in this country. They must be brought to book.”

“Why do we suffer while others export meat and grow rich? Our people are left with nothing but bullets and graves. This is not development.”

The Governor called on the National Police Service and National Intelligence Service to launch a thorough probe into the alleged cartel operations, which he believes are directly linked to the persistent insecurity in the region.

“I am asking the County Police Commander, the National Intelligence Team, to let us investigate. This is not just ordinary conflict. It is organised for profit. It is funded, and it must be stopped,” he urged.

He painted a grim picture of how the region’s development agenda is undermined by violence and corruption, with money meant for schools, hospitals and roads being redirected to cover the cost of conflict-related emergencies.

“We dress wounds with public money while the real culprits walk away richer. This must end,” he stated.

He also sent a warning to politicians who, in his view, exploit tribal divisions and historical grievances for personal political gain.

“I am going to speak the truth because Kenya should remain peaceful. And any Kenyan who is ready to put Kenya in anarchy, 24/7 — that person must be held responsible,” he warned.

 “That person is known. We don’t have to protect leaders who are enemies of peace.”

 The County boss’s called for justice and accountability comes at a time when national leaders, including Speaker Wetang’ula, have intensified appeals for peace.  

He added that despite some interventions by the government, tensions remain high on the ground, with recurring attacks destabilising communities and stalling development.

“If Kenya is to move forward,” Lomorukai concluded, “we must stop protecting those who profit from our pain.”