TRIBUTE TO TURKANA FREEDOM FIGHTERS IN KENYA 2023 MADARAKA DAY CELEBRATION

 Tribute to the Turkana Freedom Fighters.

Madaraka Day; is a day in Kenya celebrated 1st June every year to commemorate the day when Kenya attained 'MADARAKA' – [internal self-governance or self-rule] from the British Colonial Government in 1963. It all started in 1895 when the East African Protectorate was established. This encouraged European settlers to invade native African lands forcing the natives out of the fertile highlands of the country.

TURKANA FREEDOM FIGHTER IN TRADITIONAL ATTIRE

They imposed their unjust, discriminatory legal system on us against our own native customary law. They imposed their English administration, which undermined African political organization. In Kenya, it was not until the 1950s when the Mau Mau started to feel the brunt of colonial rule and commenced armed struggle against the British administration.

The Turkana resistance to the British rule began from the onset of the British invasion and settlement in Turkana in 1902, when the eastern province of Uganda which comprised Southern Turkana [all the areas of the present day Turkana County, lying south and east of river Turkwel-Suam] was transferred to Kenya Colony. For (us) the Turkana, it was not about, displacement from the native lands alone; we began by refusing to recognize (my emphasis) the British administration, forced payment of hut taxes [Turkana considered this as raids by Europeans], criminalization of retaliatory raids, and protection of the neighboring groups, which had already surrendered to the British therefore considered loyal to their administration etc. Led by our diviners and war veterans, namely; General Ebei, General Nadima Naupwal Arengan, General Lobwin Asenengimoe, General Kolitieng, General Adiriwolem, Gen. Echanakn Ebei’s Brother, Katodi. Losinyenimoe, General Nasura, and their lieutenants, we (Turkana) began putting stubborn resistance against the British rule; we faced them militarily; we went for the collaborators and started eliminating them. 

The killing of British collaborators in central Kenya and other parts of the country began sometime after 1950s. In Turkana, for the record, it began in 1926, when the news of the death of Kokoi and Akales in the hands of the British in Eldoret spread across Turkanaland stirring conflict between the Turkana and British collaborators – chiefs. Mr Loburmoe a former military leader of ngikamatak territorial section who later became an assistant chief of Akales was accused of the arrest and deaths of Kokoi and Akales.

Harbored resentments against the British flared-up with spearing of Loburmoe and Mr. Ngisekona another un-popular chief of Ngikamatak to avenge the death of Kokoi and Akales. Chief Chaki of ngisetou territorial section accused of high-handedness and brutality against his people was also killed by Lotukomoe to retaliate the death of Kokoi and to refresh uprising against the British. This resistance was by the ngiruru generation fighting force most of whom were obliterated by the Marile during ejiemodok – the battle of Kaalam. The Ngiruru, an indispensable military force of the Turkana, drew its members from various parts of Turkana under the leadership of Generals Ebei and Nathura. Parts of this standing army were designated by the names of their Generals; those under Ebei were referred as Ngika a Ebei and those under Nasura were known as Ngika a Nasura.

After Ngiruru, another traditional army called ngingoroko led by those of Etengan Nawoto, Manite Lowosa, Etengan Lemuya (Lokwaalinga), Aputir Lopirikol, Korobe Lomulen, etc., started taking shape and by 1950, it was terrorizing the British and the neighborhoods that were under protection of the colonialists. Ngingoroko intensified military activities and conquest of the neighboring groups and contributed to territorial integrity of the northern region of Kenya in general, and Turkana County in particular.

Notable among these uncelebrated heroes both living-dead and the living include, General Lowoton lo a Moitan lo kolong aremi eteere a lopei, General Lokwaarasimoe lo a Ikimat (Kalimapus), Lobeerei, Etopongole, Ekipwor lo a Eleya (Abilingimoe), Kapoko lo a Ekoel a lo a Naangok, Ekeno Lolup’kongu, Lokorio, Nanyangakipi lo a Eyanae – Lokodetemoe, General Eipa Choro – Loriokotomoe, General Ewoton – Loupwalimoe, etc. This list is endless, you can add heroes from your territorial sections so that, we update our list of heroes.

A LOOK INTO THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF THE TURKANA COMMUNITY. CELEBRATING OUR SHARED PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Dating back centuries, the stories and traditions of the peoples of Kenya are some of the most fascinating in the world. They have enriched the country through social, economic, political and cultural activities, each with their own unique stories. Today, 44 communities are officially recognized by the government, and are classified into three linguistic groups: the Bantu, the Nilotic and the Cushitic speakers. The National Museums of Kenya holds objects telling the stories of the communities, which represent the country's ethnic diversity and vibrant cultures. Many of the cultural practices are still embraced today, but have been influenced by the changes in society. This exhibit celebrates the country’s rich heritage through the Turkana community. 

A look into the history and culture of the Turkana

The Turkana are a Nilotic ethnic community connected to Turkana County, in particular Lake Turkana. One of the largest nomadic communities in Kenya, they are known for their basket weaving and annual Turkana Festival. The Turkana are mostly located in Turkana and Marsabit counties. Notable personalities include Olympic champion Paul Ereng and supermodel Ajuma Nasenyana. 

The breathtaking Lake Turkana

The Turkana are believed to have migrated from southern Sudan and settled around Lake Turkana, where they mainly kept their livestock. Those close to lake Turkana and river Turkwel carried out fishing and farming in addition to pastoralism.

Akuj and the Great Turkana

The Turkana believed in ancestral spirits and that God (Akuj) created the world. One of the most well-known legends is of the Great Lowalel who, with his powerful army, resisted the extension of British colonial rule. 

Social structure and clans

The family was the basic social unit of the Turkana community. A group of families made up the clan. Traditionally the Turkana had a very unique alternating division, where the father was in the ngersai (leopard) division of the clan, the son would belong to the ngimor (stone) division, and the son's children would belong to the leopard division. The girls would take their father's division until they were married, then joining their husband's division. 

Due to their nomadic way of life, the Turkana traditionally had no centralised governance system. However, certain social positions were granted to individuals based on their wealth, war skills, divination, as well as positive personal qualities.

 

Turkana women

Turkana women traditionally took care of the children and household duties. They excelled in making beaded ornaments and building new semi-permanent houses each time the homestead shifted as a result of their nomadic lifestyle.

The women have adorned themselves with traditional beaded head ornaments and necklaces some of which are made from elephant's tail. A woman wearing the necklace made from an elephant's tail signifies that she is married.

TURKANA ELDERLY MOTHER IN TRADITIONAL ATTIRE

Pastoralism, hunting, fishing, and camels

The Turkana are known for pastoralism, hunting and fishing. They kept cattle, goats, camels, sheep and poultry, especially ducks. Their animals provided them with milk, meat and skins which were used to make bags and clothing items. Camels were seen as a source of wealth, and slaughtered at major ceremonies in exchange for brides or to affirm friendship.

Wrist knife

This wrist knife was made from scrap iron by a Turkana blacksmith. It was used by men for cutting meat and as a weapon for fighting when necessary.

Finger knife

Made from a nail three inches long, this type of knife was used for cutting meat or thread, and was commonly found among the Pokot and Turkana.

The annual Lake Turkana Cultural Festival

One of Kenya's top tourist attractions is the three-day festival held in June and takes place at Loiyangalani, Marsabit County. This festival features all nomadic communities in Northern Kenya. In addition, Tobong'ulore festival is held in Turkana county.

Traditional dance

The women and men are wearing ceremonial costumes made from animal skin and fitted with decorative beads. They are also wearing traditional beaded necklaces and coiled aluminium armbands.

Sets of leg bells sewn on khaki cloth

The bells were made by a blacksmith from scrap iron, and used for dancing by both men and women. Worn below the knee, they were used especially at wedding ceremonies.

 

Head ornament

This is an ornament used to stick into a mud pack coiffure to hold ostrich feathers. It has a number of deep holes formed of string topped with woven fine copper wire. It was made and used only by men.

Turkana rituals

During such ceremonies, men usually sit on a headrest or stool in a semi-circular formation preparing to perform a ritual.

 

Experience the Turkana culture

The Desert Museum in Loiyangalani is devoted to telling the unique stories of the Turkana and seven other communities: El Molo, Pokot, Rendile, Samburu, Gabbra, Watta and Dassanach.  

Celebrating Kenya's communities today

Many of the cultural practices of the Turkana are still embraced today, but have been influenced by the changes in society. The heritage and culture of the Turkana community, along with the more than 44 communities in Kenya, continues to fascinate and inspire the people around the universe.

TURKANA YOUTH DANCING DURING A CULTURAL CEREMONY