Nairobi: Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) leader Papa Paul Sande Emolot is set to visit the Iteso community in Teso, Kenya, as well as those residing in other sub-counties, in March this year. The announcement was made during the burial of Moses Oduya in Katakwa, Teso North Sub County, where ICU Deputy Prime Minister Fredrick Adungo called upon the Ateker community to give their cultural leader a warm reception.
According to Kenya News Agency, Adungo detailed that the visit will include stops in Matayos, Nambale, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Teso North, Teso South, and Teso Central Sub Counties. The tour will culminate in a professional conference. In conjunction with the tour, the ICU has initiated a membership recruitment drive aimed at determining the total number of clans in Kenya. Members will receive ICU certificates through the office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
During the tour, Papa Emolot is expected to launch an education programme that will provide scholarships for vulnerable children within the Iteso community in Kenya. The cultural leader will also encourage the community to preserve their cultural heritage by teaching children their mother tongue, traditional dress codes, and dietary customs.
Additionally, Adungo announced that Emolot will reveal plans for constructing the Iteso Palace in Soroti and encouraged the community’s support, suggesting that those who are vulnerable could contribute by donating a cock each. Meanwhile, Adungo denied any claims of Papa Emolot endorsing political leaders in Teso, urging the community to embrace unity and love.