President Ruto to Grace Ninth Tobong'u Lore Turkana Cultural Festival

By Kepher Otieno - Reporter

Kenya, 15 December 2025 - Turkana County is preparing to host the 9th edition of the Tobong’u Lore Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of the region’s heritage, with President William Ruto set to attend.

The festival, whose name translates to “welcome back home,” will take place from 15 to 18 December 2025 in Lodwar, with the President expected to arrive at Ekales Centre on 16 December (tomorrow Tuesday).

Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, who announced the presidential visit, highlighted the significance of the festival as a platform for cultural exchange and unity.

“The event promotes peaceful coexistence among neighboring communities while showcasing traditional music, dance, art, and the pastoralist way of life,” he said.

Over the years, Tobong’u Lore has attracted not only national leaders but also cultural enthusiasts, tourists, and delegations from neighboring countries, with this year expecting more than 10,000 visitors from Ethiopia, Uganda, and South Sudan.

Tobong’u Lore is more than a cultural display; it serves as a conduit for regional integration and economic stimulation.

The festival offers a rare opportunity for Turkana’s rich traditions to be shared on a wider stage, while also providing a boost to local businesses and tourism.

Visitors can experience performances, exhibitions, and traditional ceremonies that underscore the resilience and creativity of the Turkana people, whose pastoralist lifestyle has endured for centuries in one of Kenya’s most challenging landscapes.

Governor Lomorukai expressed optimism about President Ruto’s presence, noting the high expectations among residents for developmental commitments.

He underscored the hope that the Head of State would address critical issues affecting the county and deliver tangible benefits to its communities.

Security and visitor experience are also being prioritized. Lomorukai assured delegates, tourists, and the business community that Turkana remains a safe and welcoming destination, emphasizing the county’s potential for investment, tourism, and cultural exploration.

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Turkana County is home to some of Kenya’s most striking natural and historical attractions.

Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake, anchors the county’s tourism appeal, offering sites like Central Island National Park, with its volcanic crater lakes, crocodiles, and flamingos, and the pristine white sands of Eliye Springs, ideal for leisure and water activities.

Additionally, the ancient Namoratunga standing stones and expansive desert landscapes provide unique opportunities for adventure tourism and cultural exploration.

The Tobong’lore Festival, in particular, plays a crucial role in fostering cultural pride.

In bringing together communities across borders and celebrating Turkana’s heritage, the festival encourages intercultural dialogue and strengthens regional identity.

It also positions Turkana as a hub for cultural tourism, drawing attention to both the historical significance and contemporary relevance of its traditions.

As preparations continue, Tobong’u Lore promises to be a dynamic convergence of tradition, leadership, and opportunity.

For Turkana, the festival is more than a celebration; it is a statement of resilience, unity, and the enduring value of cultural heritage in shaping both social cohesion and economic growth.

With President Ruto’s anticipated participation, the 2025 edition of Tobong’u Lore is set to shine a spotlight on Turkana, reaffirming the county’s role as a custodian of culture and a destination of national and regional importance.