Activists and Journalist Getting Death Threats After Exposing Demolition Of Classrooms Built By Eric Omondi in Turkana County

Local activists and a TV journalist in Turkana County are living in fear after exposing the demolition of classrooms recently built with the help of popular comedian Eric Omondi.

The Defenders Coalition, a human rights lobby group, has issued a strong condemnation following reports of harassment and threats against Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) Joseph Egalan and Benard Kerio, as well as journalist Emmanuel Kiplangat Cheboit.

The trio has faced intimidation and direct threats to their lives after shedding light on the demolition of a classroom in Lokichar, Turkana County, through a media commentary.

The incident came to public attention after the story was aired on Radio Citizen and Citizen TV, highlighting the controversial demolition that has sparked outrage among local communities.

However, following the broadcast, unknown individuals have allegedly targeted the HRDs and journalist, deploying goons to surveil and threaten them in what appears to be an attempt to silence their advocacy for justice and transparency.

The Defenders Coalition has confirmed that the matter has been reported to the Lodwar Police Station, urging authorities to take swift action to ensure the safety of Egalan, Kerio, and Cheboit.

The demolition of the classroom in Lokichar has raised significant concerns about the welfare of local communities, particularly children who have been deprived of their right to education. The HRDs and journalist played a critical role in bringing this issue to the forefront, prompting public discourse and calls for accountability.

How It All Began

Eric Omondi, after watching a heartbreaking story online about Kapoo Primary School in Turkana County, Kenya, visited the school and found that pupils were studying under a tree in extremely hot weather.

The children studying under a tree in guidance of a volunteer teacher.

He crowdfunded under his ‘Sisi Kwa Sisi’ initiative and built a classroom to shelter the students, procured uniforms, and hired handymen to make other improvements. He gave the struggling school a new lease of life with the temporary structure, and the new uniforms and shoes brought the students immeasurable happiness and confidence.

In a touching gesture of gratitude, Omondi renamed the school after the volunteer teacher, Elizabeth Kamaret, who had dedicated her time and energy to teaching the children despite the harsh conditions. The move has been praised as a symbol of hope and a celebration of Kamaret’s unwavering commitment to education in Turkana.

County Government’s Response

Turkana County Government projected a total revenue of approximately KSh 19.76 billion ($153 million) for the fiscal year. This revenue comprises KSh 13.65 billion from the equitable share, KSh 320 million from own-source revenue, KSh 1.34 billion from conditional grants, KSh 3.85 billion carried forward from exchequer releases, and KSh 594 million carried forward from special purpose accounts.

The county has been receiving similar amounts each year since 2011. Despite this, the leadership continues to amass wealth, while almost all major humanitarian aid organizations have maintained operations in Turkana County for decades.

Upon learning that Eric Omondi had constructed a classroom, county officials rushed to the school, demolished the structure, dismissed the handymen, and demanded that the pupils return the uniforms and shoes provided by Omondi.

The county officials claimed that Omondi did not follow proper protocols.

The shell after overnight demolition.

According to the news report by Citizen TV, the orders for demolition were allegedly issued by the County Executive Member for Education, Sports, and Social Protection, Willyjustus Lopeyok Akwalata.

Officials are now arrogantly telling Omondi to follow the “right channels,” which essentially means navigating unnecessary bureaucratic procedures that would likely involve bribing officials.

Omondi’s Reaction

In a poignant statement, Omondi expressed his heartbreak over the demolition and the additional cruelty of confiscating the children’s uniforms and shoes, questioning the humanity of such an act. “It is very sad that they demolished the classroom we built for the kids in Turkana, but it’s even WORSE that watoto walinyanganywa uniform na viatu… Are these people even human? How dark are your hearts?” he stated.

Political Undertones

County governments often dislike individual citizens initiating development projects without the blessings of the current administration, viewing such actions as undermining the powers and influence of the governor.

Despite the matter being in the public domain for some time now, Turkana County Governor Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai Napotikan has yet to issue a comment. This silence could easily be interpreted as tacit approval of the demolition, especially given the widespread media coverage.

The Poverty Situation in Turkana

The poverty situation in Turkana is a vice that needs to be studied. There is a growing belief that people are kept intentionally poor so that a few can continue to benefit from global aid, which has been flowing into the county for decades.

This cycle of poverty and exploitation must end. The international community, along with local stakeholders, must take a stand to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most and that development initiatives are not thwarted by corrupt officials.

The demolition of the classroom built by Eric Omondi and the subsequent threats against activists and journalists highlight a disturbing trend of suppression and corruption in Turkana County.

The children of Turkana deserve better.