When they are in school, teachers and administrators transform lives through knowledge, skills and attitudes. When they step into politics, they extend that service to the wider community, ensuring access to basic needs such as water, roads, electricity and empowerment in small trades.
In West Pokot County, Education News had the rare opportunity of meeting Jacob Lorema, popularly known as JP15, the first Member of Parliament for the larger West Pokot Constituency at independence and a teacher with a stellar career in the field
Lorema’s generosity is remembered vividly as he donated his land at Paraywa in Pokot South Sub-County for the construction of a school, a church and a dispensary.
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“A person should be physically fit, mentally, psychologically and spiritually. Education builds the mind, health sustains the body, and the church nurtures the spirit. That is why I gave my land to these three entities,” Lorema said.
He takes pride in seeing learners being taught in schools and in witnessing a healthy, productive society. His journey reflects a lifetime of service: after serving five years as an MP, Lorema returned to education as an Adult Education Officer in Turkana County.
Following retirement, he remained close to the people, mingling with community members who later elected him as a councillor for five years. Today, he continues to serve as an active member of the Pokot Council of Elders, where he contributes to discussions on Pokot issues and their place in national affairs.
Lorema’s roots are firmly in education. Back in the 1960s, he taught at Kapenguria Intermediate School. Among his students was the late Hon. Francis Polisi Loile Lotodo, who later became a long-serving MP for Kapenguria Constituency. Lorema described Lotodo as a sharp and intelligent student, one who grew into a leader regarded by the Pokot community as a king for his relentless fight for their interests.
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“One of my students was the late Hon. Francis Polisi Loile Lotodo, who later became long serving Kapenguria Constituency member of Parliament” Lorema said
To this day, Lorema himself remains a key player in Pokot matters, embodying the link between education, politics and community leadership.
By Martin Ruto
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