STORY: Kenya to promote peace with Uganda, South Sudan through cultural festivals
SHOOTING TIME: Oct. 25, 2024
DATELINE: Oct. 29, 2024
LENGTH: 00:03:15
LOCATION: Nairobi
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the festival
2. SOUNDBITE (English): WILLIAM RUTO, Kenyan President
3. various of the festival

STORYLINE:

Kenyan President William Ruto on Friday pledged to promote peace among communities along the country's borders with Uganda and South Sudan through cultural activities.
   
Ruto said the country will host annual cultural activities that bring together the Turkana of Kenya, Toposa of South Sudan, and Karamajong of Uganda, communities that have for years fought over pasture and water, leading to killings on either side of the border.
   
SOUNDBITE (English): WILLIAM RUTO, Kenyan President
"We are here to celebrate the inspiring traditions and the strong dynamic culture of Kenya's proud and beautiful Turkana people and to witness the power of their ancient wisdom to transform our present and prepare us for our future. The effect of this ambitious vision is to bring into sharp focus the distinct cultural identity of the Turkana people, thus fostering a deeper appreciation of its role and potential to promote diversity and cohesion across borders."

"Through diverse cultural activities, we will promote peace and unity among the communities. This will help stop insecurity and foster cohesion," Ruto said at the Tobong'u Lore Cultural Festival in Kenyan's northwestern county of Turkana, which borders Uganda and South Sudan.
   
The conflicts between the pastoralist communities have been worsened by the climate crisis, which has increased animal theft to replenish those who died due to drought.
   
Ruto said the Kenyan government will annually invest 49 million shillings (about 380,000 U.S. dollars) into the festival and reach out to neighboring countries.
   
He added that the festival will unite neighboring communities, both within and outside the country's borders, ensuring that they embrace each other's diversity.
   
The president said the festival will serve as a model for future cross-border efforts to promote understanding and create opportunities for cultural exchange.
   
Turkana County is regarded as the "cradle of mankind" as it is an archeological site where remains of the early man were discovered.
   
Ruto announced that his government will build a museum and a science park in Turkana, one of the country's most arid regions, to promote research and attract tourists seeking to study the home of humanity.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nairobi.
(XHTV)