By Our Reporter
KENYA
Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto has held discussions with Iteso Paramount Chief Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot and the Ateker communities to strengthen development cooperation, cultural ties, and economic prospects across East Africa.
The Ateker consist of interrelated ethnic communities from East Africa, including notable groups such as the Karamojong, Iteso, Jie, Lango, and Kumam from Uganda, alongside the Turkana, Toposa, and Nyangatom from Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. These communities share a common ancestry, language, and cultural traditions.
Held at State House Eldoret on Saturday August 29th, 2026, this meeting highlighted the importance of cultural institutions in fostering unity, peace, economic growth, and regional integration.
Much of the dialogue centered around the development of the Ateker communities, which span national borders in four countries. Leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation and strengthen connections among communities with shared histories, cultures, and traditions.
Stephen Ojacor, Minister for Information of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), noted that the meeting underscored President Ruto’s dedication to initiatives aimed at uplifting the Iteso people, particularly those living in eastern Kenya. This engagement served as a significant platform for ICU leadership to share their vision for the development, unity, and empowerment of both the Iteso and the broader Ateker communities.
President Ruto reiterated the Kenyan government’s commitment to collaborating with cultural and community organizations to advance development initiatives that can positively impact livelihoods. Ojacor also mentioned that the discussions explored opportunities for cross-border trade and regional economic cooperation to boost the Teso economy and broaden opportunities for local communities.
These conversations on cross-border trade are expected to renew focus on the economic potential of the Ateker region, particularly through enhanced collaboration between communities and governments across borders.
The Ateker people have long maintained strong cultural, historical, and social ties despite the challenges posed by modern national boundaries. Cultural leaders increasingly stress the importance of converting these shared connections into avenues for peace, trade, tourism, investment, and social growth.
Thus, the meeting between President Ruto and Papa Emorimor serves as a vital step in elevating the Ateker agenda within the broader regional and international development discourse. Moreover, this engagement further highlights the role of the Iteso Cultural Union, which is tasked with preserving and promoting the identity, unity, and developmental aspirations of the Iteso people.
The highlighted the Iteso Cultural Union’s role in preserving and promoting the cultural identity and aspirations of the Iteso people.
Emolot expressed gratitude to President Ruto for the opportunity to meet, marking the first meeting of his team with a Kenyan president since 1994.
Emorimor emphasized the role of cultural leaders in guiding and advising their communities to uphold good values, cultural norms, and a spirit of diligence.
He drew on experiences from Uganda, sharing how cultural and religious leaders encouraged the Iteso to leave the ‘bush’ and engage with government initiatives for the benefit of future generations.
Under the leadership of the Iteso paramount Chief, the Union has been at the forefront of cultural revival, youth empowerment, education, economic development, environmental conservation, and strengthening ties within the Ateker communities.
President Ruto’s commitment to attend the 4th Coronation Anniversary of Emorimor Emolot prompted a schedule adjustment, shifting the celebrations from the originally set dates of August 22-24, 2026, to August 29-31, 2026, to accommodate his attendance.
As plans continue to take shape, the high-level meeting underscores the growing recognition of the Ateker agenda at top leadership levels in East Africa. For the Iteso Cultural Union, this engagement represents a pivotal opportunity to establish itself as a leading force in cultural diplomacy, regional unity, and people-centered development.
The meeting between President Ruto and Emorimor marks the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration and visibility for the Union and the wider Ateker community, fostering efforts toward a united, peaceful, and economically empowered Ateker populace.
During the meeting, the Iteso cultural Chief honored President Ruto as an elder of the Iteso community, bestowing upon him the name ‘’Ojokotau, meaning “good Samaritan.” Following the installation, Ruto received traditional attire, a shield, a spear, and a stool.
Emolot was joined at the meeting by Her Majesty Toto Akaliait Juliet Among Atomeileng, along with other senior leaders and officials from the Iteso Cultural Union.
President Ruto announced a Ksh.4 billion investment in a new smart city in Malaba, designed to include 2,000 affordable housing units and amenities to boost local employment, attract investment, and enhance the town’s appearance.
During the 2022 General Election, Kenyans moved away from tribal politics, and with the establishment of a Broad-Based Government in 2024, President Ruto expressed confidence that voters will prioritize leaders’ development achievements over empty promises and tribal ties in the upcoming election, urging a focus on national progress rather than divisive rhetoric.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, speaking on behalf of the delegation, affirmed their unified support for the President and their commitment to collaborate with him as the next election approaches, stating, “We have chosen unity, partnership, and participation in building Kenya with Your Excellency.”
Teso South MP Mary Emase expressed community backing for President Ruto’s development initiatives, while leaders eagerly anticipated the start of construction on the Butula-Nambale-Amukura-Kocholia road and assured their united support for the president’s re-election next year.
