In the cradle of mankind, a celebration of life

Joint work

"The national government will work together with the county government of Turkana to increase tourists to the county and ensure that people from across the globe travel to Turkana to see the cradle of humankind."

Zhang Zhizhong, minister counselor and deputy head of mission at the Chinese embassy in Kenya, on his first visit to the county, was elated that he had arrived at the location of the origin of humankind.

"Even though I was invited as a guest, I don't feel like one, because I was told that Turkana is the cradle of mankind, so I'm back home.

"For me this is not only a fabulous cultural event but a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Zhang said he hoped everyone on the planet would consider visiting Turkana at least once in their lifetime.

The annual cultural festival, which started two days after Kenya's National Utamaduni (Culture) Day this year, brings together pastoral communities from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia, collectively referred to as the Ateker community. The event is a stage on which they can demonstrate their vibrant culture while fostering unity and cohesion.

Even though those of the Ateker community have a common dialect and traditional practices, they have frequently fought over grazing rights, so the festival is seen as a platform of reconciliation.

"When we invite the communities that we used to fight with, they go back to their country with a report of peace," said Joseph Lotieng from western Turkana, who was one of the dancers.

The festival also brings back Turkana people who have relocated to big cities or gone abroad, thus reminding them of their traditional culture, he said.

Charles Ewoi, 55, a Turkana elder, said the festival has promoted unity among communities that have been at loggerheads for decades.

"When we gather for the festival we don't talk about tribes. We are united and peaceful and our agenda is to celebrate our diverse culture."

The festival also gives an opportunity to women who have been married into other tribes to return home and remind themselves about their culture and bring their children with them, Ewoi said.

Louis Lojore, governor of Eastern Equatoria state in South Sudan that borders Turkana and hosts Ateker people, said the festival has brought peace and unity.

"Previously these people have been fighting and raiding each other. However, since the establishment of Tobong'u Lore, the incidence of cattle rustling has fallen drastically."