Between two fires: Turkana chiefs in the colonial ‘contact zone’

Drawing on archival material, supplemented by oral history interviews done in Turkana in 2018 and oral history work by Lamphear from the mid-1970s, this article investigates the different dilemmas and challenges faced by the chiefs in Turkana District during the colonial occupation from the 1910s to 1963. Through the lens of Pratt’s ‘contact zone,’ I show how two Turkana chiefs, Abong and Ekadille, acted as both colonial agents and legitimate local leaders simultaneously, and how they navigated the peculiar space between the colonial government and their local communities. Chiefs like Abong mastered this space, leveraging the colonial structure to advance their agendas. Negotiating local and colonial demands posed a delicate balance, often conflicting with their communities’ interests. Chiefs faced life-and-death loyalty choices when enforcing colonial measures contrary to local practices. Abong, backed by colonial support, strengthened both the administration and himself. In contrast, Ekadille dealt with a rebellious community and insufficient colonial backing. Both chiefs shaped the chieftaincy structure through actions and dialogs with European officers and their communities. This dynamic process reflected their different backgrounds, resulting in diverse outcomes. The article underscores how these chiefs adeptly operated within the colonial framework, influencing Turkana's power dynamics in distinct ways.