Turkana residents criticise gov’t over incomplete Turkana High Court

Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok has called on National Assembly lawmakers to lobby for a reverse of a decision made three years ago by a Parliamentary committee to discontinue the construction of what was meant to be the county’s first High Court.

The proposed Four-storey building remains unfinished three years after it’s construction began.

Turkana residents say they have to travel far to Kitale or Eldoret towns after Landmark Holdings, an Asian construction company contracted to build the High Court, was discontinued under unclear circumstances.

The residents say their questions as to why the construction was discontinued remain unanswered as they try to seek justice.

Communities in Turkana reiterate that the Lodwar High Court was one of the government’s promises to the  county, saying they were promised a modern state of the art facility.

Turkana youth leader, Abdiwahid Emuria, said the building’s skeleton has recently shown signs of tumbling down with noticeable cracks on most parts of the structure and rusty metals.

“This building was started in 2013 and has since not been developed any further. As Turkana residents, we feel utterly aggrieved by the fact that we have to make constant travels to Kitale and Eldoret in search of justice due to lack of a High Court,” said Abdiwahid.

He added that the completion of the premise would go a long way in reducing travel costs and in ensuring justice is administered on time.

“We want the government to explain to the residents of Turkana County why this building was abandoned. Is there a scandal revolving around this whole issue?” he posed.

Commenting on the issue, Governor Josphat Nanok said the government was reluctant to act on pressing issues meant to benefit the people of Turkana but were swift on efforts to find oil in the area.

“Why does the government keep questioning whether Turkana needs these projects?” he posed.

Nanok called upon the national government to release funds for the completion of the project.