President William Ruto, on Thursday, October 12, officially inaugurated the 2023 Tobong’u Lore festival in Lodwar town, during which he had the opportunity to savour Turkana’s traditional brew.

President Ruto partook in the traditional brew alongside Turkana women inside a hut, sparking widespread excitement on the internet.

“Most traditional brews have medicinal values and are better than the current “alcohol” sold in all streets in the name of wines yet they are slowly killing our folk,” one netizen, Peter Kyalo M, said on Facebook.

Addressing the audience at the event, the head of state responded to the call to recognize Turkana University College as a fully-fledged university and pledged to grant the institution a charter during next year’s cultural festivities.

“When I return for Tobong’u Lore next year, I will bring the charter for Turkana University, ensuring that the institution establishes a strong foundation for local students and those from other regions,” Ruto declared.

What you need to know about Tobong’u Lore

The Tobong’u Lore, also known as the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival in English, is an annual celebration of indigenous culture that takes place each spring in Turkana, located in northern Kenya.

This festival is organized by various indigenous communities residing around Lake Turkana with the aim of fostering peace, cultural exchange, and promoting tourism.

In the month of June, the El Molo people play host to the festival in Loiyangalani, while in April, the Turkana people take charge of the festivities in Lodwar.

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The Tobong’u Lore is renowned as one of Kenya’s largest cultural festivals and has evolved into a platform where notable Kenyan politicians often make appearances.

The Loiyangalani festival was inaugurated in 2008 as a means to facilitate peace and collaboration among the communities residing near Lake Turkana. On the other hand, the Lodwar festival commenced in 2014.