By REUBEN OLITA
May 26, 2026| Teso human rights activist and Angurai East MCA aspirant Cleophas Okisai has called on leaders and elders from the Iteso community to adopt a long-term strategy aimed at broadening the community’s political, economic and institutional influence beyond electoral contests.
In a statement touching on the future of leadership in the Teso community, Okisai argued that political unity should move beyond campaign rhetoric and instead be anchored on structured agreements and long-term planning.
“The strongest commitment would not be a speech at a rally, but a structured agreement that spreads influence across county, national, economic, religious and professional spaces,” he said.
Okisai proposed the formation of what he described as a “Teso Leadership Accord,” bringing together senior politicians, professionals, clergy, youth representatives and elders under a moral agreement intended to reduce political infighting and encourage shared responsibility in leadership contests.
Under the proposal, leaders would commit to avoiding divisive competition and instead focus on strengthening the community’s collective influence at both county and national levels.
He further argued that the community should avoid concentrating all political energy on a single elective seat, particularly the gubernatorial position, and instead deliberately position leaders in different sectors of government and public service.
According to Okisai, some leaders could focus on county administration while others pursue national appointments such as Cabinet, Principal Secretary or ambassadorial positions, alongside representation in commissions, parastatals and regional economic bodies.
“That creates multiple entry points for influence instead of one battlefield,” he said.
The activist also proposed the revival of a neutral council of elders and clergy to mediate disputes, guide succession discussions and help prevent political fragmentation within the community.
He said such a body would only succeed if it remains independent from partisan political interests and is grounded on credibility and public trust.
Beyond politics, Okisai called for the development of a long-term community blueprint focusing on agriculture, irrigation, cross-border trade through Malaba, youth employment, education, technical training, infrastructure and healthcare.
Under such a framework, he argued, leaders would compete based on their ability to advance the community’s development agenda rather than relying on personality politics or clan loyalties.
He also emphasized the need to mentor younger Iteso professionals in sectors such as law, diplomacy, public administration, academia, business, technology and security services.
“Real power is sustained when leadership is continuously reproduced, not improvised every election cycle,” he said.
Okisai further advocated for stronger economic cooperation among Teso businesspeople, farmers, SACCOs and professionals through investment networks capable of supporting local enterprises, scholarships and innovation.
According to him, economic independence would strengthen the community’s political bargaining power and reduce dependence on political patronage.
He also urged churches, schools, radio stations and community forums to help reshape public attitudes toward leadership by promoting values such as service, compromise and collective progress.
The remarks come at a time when political realignments are gradually taking shape across western Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election, with communities increasingly debating how to strengthen their representation in both county and national politics.
Okisai warned that communities risk weakening themselves if they focus solely on symbolic political victories while neglecting wider institutional influence.
“Communities that endure politically are rarely those with the loudest moments; they are those with the widest networks of influence,” he said.
He added that the future political strength of the Iteso community may depend less on capturing a single office and more on building a generation capable of occupying multiple positions of influence simultaneously.