Turkana families seek refuge in South Sudan as drought continues to bite

Over 10,000 families have been forced to trek to Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia in search of pasture, food and water as the ongoing drought in Turkana County continues to bite.

More than 1,000 animals in areas of Kibish, Kaalemg, Kaikor, Nanam, Oropoi and Mogilla have died of starvation in the County.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Turkana West OCPD Daniel Nyabuto confirmed that most Turkana County residents have moved to three districts in Uganda including Kaabong, Loyoro, and Kotido. He added that they have asked the pastoralists to ensure they live in peace in the foreign country.

Turkana security men are also in constant communication with Uganda to ensure that pastoralists who have crossed over into their country do not engage in banditry.

Nicholas Nakalii, a resident of Kalobeyei village in Turkana County whose entire family has travelled to Uganda, blamed the government saying it failed to sink boreholes for residents.

Turkana West Sub-County Administrator Zephaniah Ewoi said the Turkana county government is in consultation with Uganda authorities, adding that veterinary doctors from Turkana have moved to Uganda to vaccinate animals both from Turkana and Uganda to ensure peaceful coexistence between the communities.