Peter Epakan Lokaale
Peter Epakan Lokaale is a climate justice activist from Turkana, the largest county in Kenya in landmass and one that has been on the receiving end of the impact of climate change which has manifested through unpredictable rainfall or extreme rainfall, frequent and prolonged dry spells and increased daytime temperatures.
About the HRD
While Epakan has a great interest in climate justice, he has expanded his scope to mobilize his community against perenial interclan and inter community conflicts specifically among the Turkana, Toposa, Nyangatom, and Karamoja communities. Epakan equally deploys direct action to mount pressure on the county government of Turkana to follow the due constitutional process in dispensing its responsibility.
Human rights issues engaged in
Epakan works on the accountability of public officials in his county and the twin challenges of climate change, existential for the predominantly pastoralist community in Turkana, and cross-border conflict involving the Karamoja in Uganda, the Toposa of South Sudan, and the Turkana of Kenya.
For the past two years, Epakan has been extensively involved in the promotion of peaceful coexistence of the various communities in Turkana and its neighbouring counties. Among other strategies, he organizes diaogues that bring the in-conflict groups and victims to a fireplace conversation for the in-conflict groups to understand the magnitude and impact of the conflict on everyone in the community. Through this, Epakan has been able to encourage behaviour change among the youth within the in-conflict groups.
Being a member of Free Kenya, Turkana Human Rights Network and The Red Vests Movement, Epakan is also involved in the push for good governance and social accountability by coordinating activities such as public assemblies to petition the county government.
“During our Saba Saba protest, we highlighted many concerns, including the roadside appointments made by the Turkana governor in funerals, barazas, and churches without adhering to proper due process. These actions undermine the principles of fairness and equal opportunity fundamental to our democratic system. We demanded accountability from our leaders and insisted on ending the culture of favoritism and nepotism perpetuating injustice. This caught the eyes of many people, who reacted by calling for accountability through a public uproar on social media and other platforms.”
In all of Epakan’s human rights, the community- -rights holders are the pillar of his advocacy with the duty bearers.
Degree and level of difficulty
In the course of his work and the sensitivity of the subject matters he is engaged in, Epakan has faced pushback, personal safety issues, harassment and intimidation, particularly in his fight pushing the government to lower the cost of living, taxes and the fight against discrimination of LGBTQI individuals. He has been subjected to online trolling and even physical intimidation by those who oppose his principled stance on human rights issues including from government officials and occasionally the community who are incited against him by the officials.
“In 2019, when Egalan, Salman, and Danson were beaten and arrested, MCA Kanamkemer ward was heard telling the goons who were doing the operations of arresting comrades saying, “Tutafute mkubwa wao yuko Nairobi amejificha uko!” After being told that I had to switch off my phone and shift to my friend’s place, where I stayed for 3 weeks.”
Despite these challenges, he remains steadfast in his commitment to transparency and accountability.
Why the HRD stands out from others working on similar issues
Climate change and conflict in Turkana County are two perennial issues that threaten the lives and livelihood of the community, which predominantly relies on pastoralism as a means of livelihood. These issues, especially climate change, need more attention from advocates. Engaging on these issues makes Peter an outstanding awardee, especially considering the linkages between climate change and almost every other case.