Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has received a memorandum from the leadership of the Iteso community pushing for deeper inclusion and fair representation.
Mudavadi also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said the Government is ready to walk hand in hand with the Iteso people in realizing a positive and progressive transformation for the community.
He said key highlights of the Memorandum focusing on enhanced engagement, affirmative action and administrative recognition for the community are timely and attainable.
“I have to acknowledge that before me lies a very serious assignment. This memorandum carries weight not only for the benefit of the Iteso people here in Kenya, but for the greater good of our nation and humanity.” said Mudavadi.
“Guided by the spirit and letter of the 2010 Constitution, which guarantees equality, affirmative action for marginalized groups, inclusive governance and fair representation, my office has taken note of these concerns and aspirations.” he added.
Under the umbrella of the “Union of the Iteso People in Kenya” the delegation was led by Teso North MP, Oku Kaunya who was recently coronated as the Iteso People’s spokesperson.
In the Memorandum, the leadership made reference to the Iteso cultural system that emphasizes respect for elders and ancestors, communal solidarity, harmony with nature, integrity, gender complementarity, hospitality, courage, and value for livestock and land as identity.
“What we are presenting to you the Prime Cabinet Secretary as a friend of the Iteso, reflecting on your forthrightness, humility, faithfulness and focus is that we want our case to be heard, the marginalization aspect is what is hindering our progress as a community.” said Kaunya.
Kaunya who conveyed the apologies of Teso South MP, Mary Emase and Busia Senator Okiya Omtata who were to be part of the delegation, said the current socio-political and economic challenges of the Iteso have deep historical roots ranging from the colonial boundary adjustments in the early 1900s that split the community between Kenya and Uganda, disrupting trade, migration, and kinship networks.
“During the colonial period, Teso areas were treated as labor reserves and received minimal investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Post-independence, political and development priorities continued to favor more influential regions, leaving the Iteso underrepresented in national politics, senior public service, development projects, and diplomatic appointments.” noted Kaunya in his remarks.
“In Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties where the Iteso command over 98,000 and 75,000 registered voters respectively—their voting strength has not translated into proportional political representation or leadership opportunities.” Read part of the Memorundum.
Adding that in Busia County, where the community is most concentrated, under- representation remains stark with out of 35 elected MCAs, only 12 are Iteso and out of 18 nominated MCAs, only one is from the Iteso community.
“At the national level, the highest recent executive appointment was that of an Assistant Minister in 2013; the community has never held a Cabinet
Secretary position.” explained Kaunya.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary assured the community that guidance on a structured, lawful and coordinated path will be crafted, both within government systems and through continued personal engagement.
Mudavadi said his personal and family attachment with the Iteso people dates back to the age of then Finance Assistant Minister Stephen Achiya Echakara who was then MP for Busia North, Barua Chele the former Permanent Secretary (PS) in various ministries, including Information & Broadcasting where he served as a Minister during the late Rtd President Daniel Moi’s era among other notable Iteso prominent figures.
He said he had also nurtured friendship ties with Mzee Albert Ekirapa, former Amagoro MP and a dedicated Iteso leader who was instrumental in the creation of the Teso District and Prof Martin Etyang who once chaired the ANC Party’s elections board among others.
Mudavadi appreciated the unity of purpose and the leadership’s acknowledgement of the efforts being made by President William Ruto’s administration to ensure that all communities, including the Iteso, fully benefit from the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“Today’s presentation reaffirms that BETA is not only a national blueprint, but a people-centered agenda expanding opportunities, transforming livelihoods and improving service delivery across the country.” said Mudavadi.
Historically, the Iteso have played a pivotal role in regional trade, agriculture, cultural preservation, and Kenya’s political stability.
They are widely recognized for their honesty, hard work, humility, peacefulness, and loyalty, traits that have guided their contributions to national cohesion and community development.
According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, the Iteso population in Kenya is approximately 417,670, representing less than 1% of the national population, with Busia County alone accounting for about 306,150 people translating to 34.3% of the county population.
