Miriam Nakoi’s Book Blends Turkana Heritage with a Vision for Elderly Care

By Turkana Correspondent 

The annual Moru Atanayece Festival, a vibrant celebration honoring the mother of Turkana, was in full swing. 

Beneath the scorching sun and the imposing shadow of Letea Hill, multitudes gathered, led by Turkana County Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, to revel in the festival’s spirited display of traditional music and dance.

Amid the lively festivities, in a quieter corner of the grounds, sat Miriam Nakoi. Calm and composed, she clutched a copy of her latest book, Nayeche, the Mother of Turkana, her second publication.

A playful smile danced on her lips as she sat beside a specially designed display table, where 500 neatly arranged copies of her book awaited eager readers. Ceremonial balloons and a ribbon adorned the setup, with a mock-up of the book prominently showcased.

Miriam waited patiently, her eyes scanning the crowd, as she anticipated her name being called to officially launch the book.

Eventually, the master of ceremonies interrupted the music and turned his attention to her table.

“Your Excellency, it is now your turn to lead the launch of a new book authored by Miriam Nakoi. Welcome, sir,” he announced.

Governor Lomorukai rose from his seat and stepped to the podium as Miriam gracefully joined him. Cheers and applause erupted from the Ateker leadership and festival attendees.

Taking the microphone with poise, Miriam addressed the audience.

“...this book is not just an anthology of 20 stories,” she concluded, her voice steady, “it is a gateway to ensuring that the elderly in Turkana have a decent home—the first of its kind in our county and possibly in the entire Ateker region.”

Her words were met with thunderous applause.

The First Lady of Turkana, Lilian Ekamais, stood next to offer her heartfelt support. She pledged to help Miriam turn her dream of building a dignified haven for the elderly into a reality.

With great ceremony, the Governor and First Lady cut the ribbon on the mock-up copy. Balloons floated into the bright sky, and shimmering confetti rained down, prompting another wave of applause. Dignitaries lined up to purchase inaugural copies of the book, transforming the launch into a festival for both book lovers and advocates of social change.

Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus set a new benchmark, purchasing the first five copies for Ksh 100,000.

Away from the grandeur of the launch, Miriam’s journey as a writer has been shaped by her deep connection to Turkana’s oral traditions.

Like her debut work, her new book, Nayeche, the Mother of Turkana, captures the spirit of her people through 20 short stories passed down through generations. These stories intertwine themes of heritage, history, and identity, preserving Turkana’s cultural fabric for future generations.

“At some point, I tried telling these stories to my daughter,” Miriam reflected. “She told me she would prefer to read them instead. That’s when I decided to start writing.”

Her passion for storytelling is matched by her commitment to philanthropy. In an earlier interview, Miriam revealed the inspiration behind her efforts to support Turkana’s elderly.

“My father lived with a disability and was a respected community leader,” she shared. “Growing up, I witnessed many elderly people and those with disabilities struggling to make ends meet.”

Throughout her school years and later at university, Miriam often pondered ways to help vulnerable groups.

“One day, as I was preparing to submit my first book for publication, a bright idea struck me: why not use my talent and passion for storytelling to drive a philanthropic cause?” she said.

That idea became the foundation for her ambitious dream of building Turkana’s first home for the elderly.

With determination and faith, Miriam began sharing her vision with others. She has since purchased land, designed the facility, and gained the support of key leaders, including Governor Lomorukai, First Lady Ekamais, and other influential figures, as well as the broader Turkana community.

The launch of her second book marks a significant milestone: the beginning of the construction phase for the elderly care home.

Miriam’s ability to blend artistry with social responsibility is nothing short of extraordinary.

Through her writing, she not only preserves Turkana’s rich cultural heritage but also champions a brighter future for its elderly population.

Lemmy Ejorewoia, a senior anthropologist and officer at Turkana County’s Department of Culture and Heritage, lauded the significance of launching Miriam’s book during the Moru Atanayece Festival.

“The annual celebration of Turkana’s resilience and traditions was the perfect backdrop for unveiling a book that champions heritage and identity,” Ejorewoia remarked.

He added, “For Miriam, writing is not just about storytelling—it’s about creating lasting impact.”

Indeed, Miriam Nakoi has emerged as more than just a writer. She is a cultural custodian and a visionary leader whose work is shaping the future of Turkana, one story at a time.