By REUBEN OLITA
September 9, 2026|The Iteso Cultural Leader, Emorimor III, His Royal Highness Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, has issued a firm warning to Teso leaders: stop using cultural celebrations as platforms for political point-scoring.
Speaking at the second edition of the Nambale Cultural Festival at Esibembe Comprehensive School in Bukhayo Central Ward on Saturday, Emolot said cultural events should unite the Iteso community, preserve heritage, and promote development—not become arenas for political rivalry.
“Stop using cultural celebrations to advance your political agenda. This practice must stop,” he declared, taking aim at two Teso leaders who had traded political barbs during the festival.
He praised gubernatorial aspirant Engineer Vincent Esyepet Sidai for stating that the best candidate should win the August 10, 2027 election, but questioned Sidai’s decision to join the Linda Mwananchi political movement.
“We are the ones to decide where you go as voters,” Emolot reminded the audience.
In a lighter historical reference, the Emorimor noted the presence of Iteso people beyond East Africa, citing former Senegalese President Abdou Diouf as an example. He urged the community to preserve its language, culture, and identity, warning that abandoning one’s roots risks losing identity altogether.
“Kakamega, be prepared. We are coming, not for political purposes,” he said, calling for peaceful coexistence and unity among the Iteso.
The cultural leader also challenged parents to prioritise education, fight household poverty, and preserve cultural identity through naming and other traditions.
SIDAI, ODERA CLASH
The cultural message, however, was briefly overshadowed by a spirited political exchange between Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera and Engineer Sidai.
While inviting Sidai to speak, Odera appeared to take a swipe at the gubernatorial aspirant, suggesting he would be sent packing in his bid to challenge Governor Paul Otuoma.
Sidai shot back, declaring: “The truth of the matter is that I am the alternative government of Busia.”
He said his decision to join Linda Mwananchi was final and vowed to unseat Otuoma.
“You are in BB, and I am in Linda Mwananchi. I want to guard county residents. It is official. I want to root out Otuoma so that he goes home early,” Sidai said.
Odera responded by recalling his political support for Sidai during the 2013 elections, claiming he helped him defeat rivals in Teso North.
“I supported Sidai in the 2013 polls when he won the Teso North MP seat, and I helped him beat Ojaamong in his constituency,” Odera said.
He challenged Sidai to wait for the 2032 gubernatorial contest, saying the outcome would demonstrate his political standing.
DANCERS PROTEST ‘PEANUT’ PAY
The festival also provided a platform for cultural performers to air grievances over inadequate financial support from the county government.
Top traditional dance groups Anyoun from Teso North and Omong’oluk from Teso South complained that the KSh4,000 awarded to each team was insufficient to support their performances and meet their obligations, describing the payment as “a drop in the ocean” and calling for better support.
OKITUI CROWNED TESO ELDER
The celebrations climaxed with the crowning of event chairman Chris Barasa Okitui as a Teso Elder.
ICU Deputy Prime Minister Fredrick Adungo performed the crowning ceremony before Emorimor handed Okitui the baton symbolising cultural authority.
In his concluding remarks, Emolot urged the Iteso to identify where their community members are found, embrace development, and prioritise the welfare and future of their children.
Bukhayo Central Ward aspirant Vincent Otipi separately urged the community to embrace culture as a tool for fighting poverty and addressing social challenges.
The festival attracted ICU Prime Minister Andrew Ocole, Deputy Prime Ministers Fredrick Adungo and Charles Emuket, ICU Nambale Chapter chairman Tom Muyodi, Deputy Speaker Ronald Ochalu, county executive committee members, chief officers, directors, cultural leaders and other invited guests.