Turkana push for Todonyang massacre victims’ compensation.

Victims of the Todonyang massacre and other banditry-related killings in Turkana should be included in the planned compensation by the government, residents have said.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lokichar, the residents said all lives of Kenyans lost through senseless killings should be treated equally.

They said families who lost loved ones in persistent cross-border attacks and cattle rustling, similar to the recent move to compensate youth killed during nationwide protests.

Lokichar elder Lucas Emuron said it was unfair that families of victims in Turkana continue to suffer without recognition or state support, despite losing loved ones in violent attacks.

ALSO READ: Residents in agony at Tondonyang as insecurity persists

“Our innocent people are killed daily while herding their animals. In one incident, more than 40 people were massacred by Ethiopian militia in Todonyang, yet no compensation was initiated. We want lives lost in Turkana to be compensated equally as those in other parts of the country,” Emuron said.

The call comes in the wake of the recent Todonyang attack and an escalation of banditry in Turkana South and East, which has displaced families, claimed lives, and disrupted livelihoods.

The residents further urged Turkana leaders meeting President William Ruto today (Tuesday) to push for security and compensation concerns to be included in their agenda.

They insisted that gazettement of compensation for massacre victims must be prioritised alongside long-standing challenges such as cattle rustling, cross-border raids, and displacement.

Lokichar youth leader Ezekiel Esekon praised the President for his recent decision to gazette protest victims for compensation but urged him to extend the gesture to other regions affected by violence.

“We appreciate the recognition and commitment to compensate protest victims. However, banditry victims across Northern Kenya, including families of the Todonyang massacre, have endured years of violence and displacement. They too deserve justice, healing, and restoration of dignity,” Esekon said.

Another resident, Stephen Ekiru, warned that ignoring the plight of Todonyang victims would amount to double standards in the government’s approach to addressing national tragedies.

The residents said they expect the President’s visit to mark a turning point in the state response to decades of insecurity in Turkana and other marginalised regions.

 [email protected]