Turkana pastoralists have extended compensation to two Karamojong families in the form of 120 cows in a unique display of cross-border reconciliation. The compensation follows an unfortunate incident in December 2023 when unknown Turkana warriors shot and killed two individuals, Lokut Peikan and Achia Apaitangalem, from Moroto district who were conducting business on the Turkana side.
Retaliatory actions ensued as the relatives of the deceased mobilized warriors, raiding 319 cows from the kraal of Turkana pastoralists in Lotisan Sub County. In response, the Turkana crossed into Turkana County, where the alleged killings occurred, and took 120 cows in retaliation from the relatives of the suspected killers.
Following intervention by the district security committee, all seized cows from both communities were intercepted and held in Nadunget Sub County. After negotiations, the 120 cows were distributed on Thursday as compensation for the lives lost.
John Robert Adupa, the LCIII Chairperson of Lotisan Sub County, disclosed that during discussions, it was discovered that 85 cows were missing out of the 319 taken from the Turkana. The Turkana, in a gesture of reconciliation, agreed to offer the 120 cows as compensation.
Efforts are now underway, in collaboration with security forces, to recover the missing cows and ensure a peaceful coexistence between the two pastoral communities.
Simon Peter Lotem, the LCIII Chairperson of Nadunget Sub County, emphasized that those responsible for the raid must locate the missing cows or face legal consequences.
Moroto Deputy Resident District Commissioner Justin Tuko announced the initiation of investigations into the matter. Tuko disclosed that one of the deceased’s relatives admitted to slaughtering 20 cows for mourning purposes. Authorities are actively pursuing suspects to charge them with cattle theft and destabilizing peace between the Karamojong and Turkana communities.
Jeremiah Lomorukai, the Turkana County Governor, commended the communities for resolving the issue amicably, describing it as a step towards reconciliation. Lomorukai expressed his commitment to fostering a peaceful environment, highlighting ongoing efforts to compensate the families of geologists killed in Moroto by suspected Turkana warriors.
