Nairobi, Kenya – In a significant cultural development, Iteso Cultural Leader Emormor Papa Paul Sande Emolot is scheduled to visit Kenya in the coming months of March or April 2024. The primary purpose of this visit is to inaugurate the Nairobi Ateker Association, a move aimed at consolidating the Iteso diaspora community members.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Nairobi Iteso caucus, spearheaded by Chairman Julius Ekwenye, has extended a formal invitation to Emormor during their visit to his Ang’ololo village residence in Uganda. The visit is set to feature the launching of the Nairobi Ateker Association and discussions with the leadership of Bomas of Kenya. These discussions will focus on the need to develop the Bomas Iteso village, highlighting the significance of community membership and collaboration for the growth of the association, a principle exemplified by KANU’s longevity.
In anticipation of the launch, the Iteso Cultural Union has announced plans for a substantial fundraising drive in January 2024. This initiative aims to empower clans in both Kenya and Uganda, enabling them to take on specific tasks, including the cultivation of cassava on a 1000-acre farm.
The meeting with Emormor also included other key caucus members such as Isaac Oprong, Patrick Ataro, Emojong Ausi, Ronald Ekisa, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Iteso Cultural Union, Fredrick Adung’o. Discussions covered a range of topics, including a potential visit by Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo to Teso Kenya for meetings with ICU leaders and possibly with Kenyan President William Ruto.
Moreover, Teso South MP Mary Emaase, Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, and PAS Arthur Osiya were present to discuss the logistics of meeting President Ruto, while also providing feedback on the cultural leader’s initiatives. Emormor’s tour to Nairobi is expected to amplify the community’s agenda, potentially including a meeting with President Dr. William Ruto.
In a noteworthy development, the Iteso community in Nairobi has been granted district autonomy, with representation at ICU Council meetings. Additionally, the ICU has introduced awards for distinguished service, with the first recipient being former Kenyan government assistant minister Ekirapa.
Isaac Oprong commended Emormor for his efforts in elevating the Ateker globally, citing his appointment as chairman of African royalties. He emphasized the Iteso community’s significant yet under-recognized contributions to Nairobi’s socio-economic and political landscape, advocating for the naming of a street or highway as Ateker Road.
Patrick Ataro and Ausi Emojong highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in the community’s representation and involvement in regional affairs, particularly in job allocation and cross-border trade. Ronald Ekisa underscored the importance of cultural visits, like the one by the late Iteso Cultural Leader Augustine Osuban to Nairobi, in strengthening the Iteso culture and community unity.
The speaker acknowledged the presence of Teso groupings in Nairobi, including in areas like Kawangware and Karomata, and expressed a commitment to unite these groups under the Nairobi Iteso caucus.
