Why Turkana Governor, MP Akujah traded blows at Lodwar Airstrip

A section of Lodwar Airstrip in Turkana County taken on November 9, 2016. [File, Standard] A routine Sunday morning at Lodwar Airstrip turned chaotic after an altercation between Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai and Loima MP Protus Akujah. The incident on November 9, 2025, exposed deepening cracks within Turkana's political leadership. What began as a casual encounter in the VIP lounge escalated into a scene of blood-stained serviettes, broken glasses and bruised egos. Police confirmed they are investigating a "disturbance" that occurred at around 11:20am inside the airstrip's VIP lounge. According to a report filed by the governor's Chief of Staff Peter Loyapan and the airstrip security head, a confrontation arose shortly after Lomorukai arrived and found his political rival already seated. "We are treating the incident as an affray, a public fight and our officers have processed the scene. We recovered broken eyeglasses, a sunglass, and blood-stained serviettes, which confirm there was physical contact," said a police officer familiar with the probe. Speaking to reporters, Dr Akujah painted a picture of betrayal and unprovoked aggression. "I arrived at the airstrip around 10:15am and sat in the VIP lounge. When the governor came in, he greeted me and sat next to me. Moments later, he began talking about people he used to discipline implying those now challenging him politically. When I questioned that logic, he suddenly attacked me without provocation," recounted the lawmaker. Dr Akujah claimed that the governor's bodyguard and airstrip security intervened to separate them. Among those who witnessed the incident was Jackson Nakusa, the chair of Turkana Professionals. An insider revealed that the altercation stemmed from long-standing political and personal rivalry. The two leaders, once close friends from their high school days at Lodwar Boys High School, have recently fallen out reportedly after allegations linked to past Constituency Development Fund (CDF) management issues surfaced. "The governor has suspected that the MP is behind ongoing graft inquiries involving his former CDF team. It's a rivalry that's been simmering for months," Sources disclosed. Despite the heated exchange, both leaders boarded the same Skyward Airlines flight (5Y-SMK) bound for Nairobi after security and airline staff calmed the situation that had caused a security scare. The scuffle drew sharp condemnation from fellow leaders, led by Turkana Central MP Emathe Namuar, who termed the fight a shameful display of ego and poor leadership. "When leaders fight whether with fists or words, they expose weakness, not strength. Power without restraint is chaos. This was the opening of a Pandora's box revealing the rot festering within Turkana's leadership," said Namuar. Namuar urged leaders to embrace restraint and maturity, reminding them of an African proverb: "When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. In this case, the grass is the people of Turkana." He called for calm and reflection, adding that Turkana needs leaders who can lead with calm, not chaos. The confrontation briefly disrupted operations at the airstrip and ignited public outrage across Turkana. High Court Advocate Ekusi Lore condemned the incident as "a disgrace to leadership". "When leaders resort to physical violence in public, it reflects a dangerous lack of tolerance and self-control, key virtues of public service. Such behaviour may amount to gross misconduct and can form grounds for recall or impeachment under the Constitution," Lore said. Lore cited Articles 104 and 181 of the Kenyan Constitution, which allow for the recall of MPs and impeachment of governors on grounds of gross misconduct, including public affray. In a statement, Skyward Airlines confirmed saying: "Our operational policy prohibits boarding by any passenger whose conduct may endanger others or disrupt cabin order." The airline later confirmed that both leaders formally reconciled and the flight proceeded without further incident. Aviation analysts have since praised Skyward for its professionalism and adherence to safety standards. "The incident occurred at the Lodwar Airstrip VIP lounge involving two passengers shortly before boarding. We promptly contained the situation in collaboration with security personnel, ensuring that safety and order were maintained at all times," said Skyward manager Abdinasir Mohamed. According to Mohamed, as part of their safety and conduct policy, the airline reserves the right to deny or permit the carriage of any passenger whose behaviour may pose a risk or cause disruption to others. "In line with this policy, the individuals involved were required to reconcile before being allowed to proceed with their travel. This measure underscores the airline's unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of passenger and flight safety," he explained. Mohamed assured the firm is coordinating with airport security authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future. "The airline remains dedicated to providing a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all passengers and crew members," he added. The Lodwar airstrip brawl has sparked a broader conversation about political decorum and accountability in Turkana. For many residents, it symbolised the widening gulf between leaders' promises and their conduct. A local elder posed: "If leaders cannot control their tempers in public, how can they control the challenges of governance?" Unconfirmed reports indicated that Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) was investigating the incident and once the report is out the duo could face ban from boarding an airline as a standard aviation procedure.

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