Iteso Cultural leader Emormor Paul Sande Emolot has called for unity among the Ataker community, and urged them to shun divisive politics.

Papa Emolot who was speaking during a burial ceremony at Kakurkit primary school in Teso North Sub County in Busia County, advised the Ataker community to embrace the spirit of forgiveness which he said should be the cardinal rule regardless of other ones social or political background.

The Iteso King encouraged the Iteso community to embrace indigenous foods and education of their children.

Papa Emormor thanked Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto for appointing former Cabinet Minister John Munyes as Ataker Peace ambassador, saying this will go a long way into fostering peace and harmony among the Ataker community.

Ataker brings together various communities that speak almost a similar dialect. These include the Iteso from Kenya, Turkana, Karamojong from Uganda, Toposa from Ethiopia, and Nyangatom from Southern Sudan among others.

One of the aspirants for the Busia County gubernatorial contest Eng. Vincent Sidai assured the residents of Busia County that he will never forsake them once elected as the next governor in the next general elections.

Addressing mourners during the burial of a KANU and President Daniel Arap Moi staunch supporter Musa Karani Ijesun at Kakurikit Compreshensive and primary school, Sidai said he wants to be the Busia Governor, in order to address various challenges facing the people.

“I am seeking your support to take over the county leadership, which I am optimistic you will give me full support. I am leaving here as a strong man because you are going to support me fully, and I will never forsake you, “Eng Sidai said.

Eng Sidai recalled how the late Mzee Ijesuni backed him in 2013 gubernatorial elections, and expressed concern that a few people want to divide the Iteso community. He urged them to remain united and focused.

He added: “Whether it’s me or Osiya, let’s not be divided. Each of us is asking for your support.”

Principal Administrative Secretary Executive Office of the President PAS Arthur Osiya described the late Ijesuni as a respectful person who contributed to the creation of Teso DIstrict.

Teso North Member of Parliament Oku Kaunya described Mzee Ijesuni as a hero who put the Iteso community on the national map. Kaunya allayed speculations that there are differences among political leaders in the region.

“My brother Arthur Osiya is my friend whom we have come a long way. I respect him. Osiya was my best man during my wedding, and I worked with him in government,” he said.

He went on: “Eng Sidai has also been in government. I want them to walk together. Odilo (Fredrick) is not a devil as perceived. In Teso, we support Osiya and myself. We have two years to the elections, and it’s only God who will decide who to be the governor, giving an analogy of how David was anointed as the king of Israel despite being a shepherd. He called for peaceful campaigns.”

PAS Osiya urged his main opponent Eng Sidai to stand down for him claiming that he has a solution to corruption in the county under the leadership of Dr Paul Otuoma.

However, Eng Sidai vowed to stay put, noting that his government would be all inclusive irrespective of ethnic or religious orientation.

Earlier, Osiya recalled how he met President Moi in the company former Amagoro MP and Assistant Minister for information and Broadcasting AAA Ekirapa, adding that retired Justice Matthew Emukule drafted the memorandum backed by the late Ijesun that led to the creation of Teso District in 1994.

The late Ijesun was born in 1934 in the Apapai area, Kakurikit Sub-Location, Angurai Location. At the time when Kenya was navigating the turbulence of colonial rule, Jesuni stood firm in the struggle for freedom.

He became an active member of the Kenya African Union (KAU) later (KANU) during the declaration of the State of Emergency, playing a pivotal role in the independence struggle.

His courage and dedication to the nation earned him the trust and respect of founding father President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and his successor, Daniel arap Moi.

Mzee Jesuni was first elected as a councilor in 1962, a position he went on to reclaim in 1969 and 1979, reflecting the deep faith the people had in his leadership. Beyond politics, he served diligently on the boards of various schools in Teso North, championing education and youth empowerment throughout his life.

He leaves behind a profound legacy not only in public service but also in the family. Jesuni was the proud patriarch of a vast and thriving lineage of 17 children, 84 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

His sendoff was graced by distinguished leaders, including sitting and former Members of the Busia County Assembly: among them  Isaac Wamalwa (Angurai North Ward), Gardy Obara Jakaa (Bukhayo North/Walatsi),  Johnstone Ipara (Tongaren Ward) and Hon. Bonface Ekada (Malaba South), Ronald Ochalu (Malaba CentralWard).