Namoratunga, 50km west of Lake Turkana, makes you stop and think. And why wouldn’t you? 19 stone pillars, deliberately arranged in a council like formation but each leaning at their own distinct angle, and beneath them a base of about 20,000 small stones. Who arranged these pillars like this? And why? Welcome to the mystery of Namoratunga which in Turkana translates to ‘people of the stone. Legend goes the Turkana people were a lively community, often holding Dong’aa -communal celebrations marked by feasting, singing and dancing. One day the community welcomed a stranger to sing and dance with them, he accepted but, on the condition, that no one could laugh at how he sung and dance. Those who laughed were turned into stone the instant they did. The locals believe only a god can wield such power and that the visit was a call to recognize and acknowledge the significance of the deity. From that moment on the site became sacred ground for every Turkana. This is their shrine. This is the home of their deity. The community has come the site in moments of strife, drought and disaster to seek god’s intervention. No Turkana can pass Namoratunga without stopping to show their respect, by adding a stone to the site. The Turkana believe god is for all and welcome visitors but they too have to add a stone to the site.