Uganda-based Iteso cultural leader Emorimor (King) Papa Iteso III Paul Sande Emolot has urged the Iteso community in Kenya to support President William Ruto’s government.
He also asked them to position themselves to benefit from being part of the “winning team”.
Emolot said the community should work with the government of the day for the benefit of future generations, drawing lessons from Uganda.
“I am the cultural head of the Iteso in Uganda, Kenya and the diaspora. We, as Iteso from Uganda, stayed in the bush until religious leaders intervened and convinced us to come out of the cocoon,” he said.
“The religious leaders told us to join Uganda President (Yoweri) Museveni’s government for the benefit of our children tomorrow. In 2021, we heeded the clergy’s call,” he said.
Emolot said working with the government had enabled the Iteso in Uganda to secure influential positions, including the vice presidency, held by Jessica Alupo.
He said the same lesson should guide the Iteso community in Kenya and urged it to work with Ruto’s administration.
He spoke at State Lodge in Eldoret, where he led a delegation of Iteso from Kenya and Uganda in meeting Ruto and declaring support for his re-election.
Emolot said Ruto’s acceptance of the invitation to grace his fourth coronation anniversary was a gesture of honour.
The event, rescheduled from October 24, will be held on October 31 at Amagoro Comprehensive School grounds.
Tororo South MP Fredrick Angura urged the Iteso community to support Ruto, saying those who help put a government in place should benefit from it.
“I shall be part of the delegation to celebrate Ruto’s re-election in 2028,” Angura said.
Emorimor’s spouse, Akaliat Juliet Among, raised concerns over declining standards of dressing among Kenyan women and changes in food preparation.
She said food was increasingly being fried instead of boiled and appealed to Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto to address the trend.
