In Kakrut–Ngengechwo Village, Bendera, West Pokot County, a remarkable story of courage, resilience, and commitment to education continues to inspire the community. At its core, this is a tale about shaping the minds and values of the next generation — about how education, moral guidance, and decisive leadership can reclaim communities and secure a brighter future for youth.
Selina Lochulait, a former UPDF soldier and hero of Uganda’s AMISOM peacekeeping mission in Somalia, may no longer be with us. Still, her legacy in education and moral leadership lives on. On foreign soil, she confronted danger with bravery, protecting civilians amidst ambushes, landmines, and unpredictable conflict. Her courage went hand in hand with discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to others — qualities that continue to inspire countless young people to pursue education, integrity, and responsible leadership.
Selina’s personal journey is deeply intertwined with education and family responsibility. She was formerly married to the late Headteacher Ngalian Lochulait. After his passing more than 20 years ago, she single-handedly raised and educated her children with the proceeds she earned from the UPDF. She turned personal tragedy into triumph, ensuring her children received the education needed to thrive while exemplifying courage, integrity, and moral fortitude. Selina’s life demonstrates that true heroism is measured not only by military valour but also by the relentless effort to cultivate minds, instil discipline, and nurture future leaders. Her story has become a benchmark for parents, educators, and community members alike, showing that education and moral guidance must go hand in hand.
As the community mourned her passing, Dr Thomas Kemer, a doctor and legislator, led in offering condolences to the Lochulait family. Beyond honouring Selina’s extraordinary life, he urged residents to uphold the highest standards of hygiene and take good care of the youth, emphasising that a healthy, disciplined, and safe environment is essential for learning, growth, and moral development. He reminded parents and guardians that education is more than classrooms and books — it is the environment in which children grow into responsible adults.
At the grassroots level, vigilance in education and morality remains critical. Kodomuk, a respected elder, has consistently warned of the dangers posed by social media, particularly Facebook, where immoral and misleading content threatens to misguide youth. He calls on parents, guardians, and educators to actively guide students, monitor online behaviour, and instil values that promote responsibility, discipline, and critical thinking. “Community policing is still underway in Bendera and Mwotot,” Kodomuk emphasises, “to reclaim these areas and make them safe, habitable, and morally upright.” These initiatives are crucial to ensuring that youth can focus on learning and personal development without the distractions of drugs, illicit liquor, and nocturnal gatherings that weaken community cohesion.
Supporting these efforts is the firm and principled leadership of Area Chief Salome Loshiangole, who has issued stern warnings against irresponsibility, moral decay, and vice in Kakrut–Ngengechwo and the wider Bendera area. She pledged to comb the entire region to eradicate illicit liquor and drug use, sending a clear message that misconduct will not be tolerated. Chief Loshiangole also delivered greetings from His Excellency President William Ruto, reaffirming that national leadership supports grassroots initiatives aimed at educating, disciplining, and empowering youth. Her leadership shows that reclaiming communities requires both courage and consistent, accountable action in the educational and moral spheres.
Together, the influence of Selina Lochulait, Kodomuk, Chief Loshiangole, and Dr Thomas Kemer forms a blueprint for educational and moral revival in Bendera and Mwotot. Selina’s legacy inspires the pursuit of knowledge and resilience; Kodomuk’s wisdom guides conscience; Chief Loshiangole enforces accountability; and Dr Kemer emphasises hygiene, care, and holistic youth development. Bendera and Mwotot are at a crossroads: the choices made today — in guiding youth, strengthening moral and educational frameworks, monitoring social media, enforcing discipline, sustaining community policing, and maintaining public health — will determine whether these areas thrive as safe, educated, and morally upright communities.
The message is urgent and enduring: protect the youth from harmful influences, uphold morality, nurture education, maintain hygiene, eradicate illicit liquor and drug use, and work collectively to reclaim peace and order. Selina Lochulait may have passed on, but her courage, resilience, and principled dedication to education remain a guiding light. Her life challenges every resident to act with integrity, vigilance, and hope — ensuring that her legacy continues to shape a brighter, safer, and morally upright future for generations to come.
In every corner of Kakrut–Ngengechwo, Bendera, and Mwotot, Selina’s story lives on — a call to courage, a call to education, and a call to reclaim the values that define who we are as a community.
By Hillary Muhalya
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
