Relief as 32 Turkana pastoralists jailed in Uganda finally released

Thirty two Kenyan pastoralists from the Turkana community who have been imprisoned by a Ugandan military court for over a year now have finally been released.

The 32 were originally detained by the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for the crime of illegal firearm possession, and found themselves ensnared in a legal battle that led each to a 20-year prison sentence.

However, fortune smiled upon them when the Turkana County government rallied behind their cause, successfully appealing the military sentence.

"We had to make an appeal because these boys were arrested and sentenced in court martial within one day and they were jailed for 20 years," said Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai.

However, as much as their families friends and community missed them, they cannot just be accepted back to the community.

Their return has to be preceded by a cleansing ceremony, a tradition meant to purify and reintegrate them back into the community.

According to the Turkana traditions, imprisonment abroad carries a stigma equivalent to a curse and a ritual has to be done to lift this burden.

"Water sprinkling is a symbol of a coolant, it helps to appease the ancestors as we welcome them," said Lokorijeju Titus, Director, Security Department, Turkana.

As the community gathers to celebrate their return, one of the convicts, Lorot Ekai, shares a snippet of life behind bars, underscoring the challenges of language barriers that made it hard for them to communicate.

"Hii watu huwezi jua mdomo yao, anakwambia banange bwanakerere, ukizubaa anakupiga slap paaah..sasa mimi sijui," recalls Ekai.

Turkana leaders offered sage advice, cautioning them against any future entanglements with firearms while in Uganda.

“Don't enter Uganda with guns again, if you are in Uganda stick to the lanes,” cautioned Akuja Protus.

Governor Lomorukai added: “The judgement was fair and we appreciate the President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni over this issue.”