Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on Kenyans to leverage their diverse cultures to promote peace, unity, and development across communities.
“Let us use culture to build our country’s unity, stability, and cohesion. God wants all of us, with our diverse cultures and ethnicities, to live in unity as citizens. Let our diversity not be a reason for conflict, but rather a uniting factor so that we can integrate and develop our country. I urge our elders to take the lead in uniting and integrating the people as the government develops the country,” said Prof. Kindiki.
Prof. Kindiki made the remarks on Saturday while gracing the closing ceremony of the 14th Edition of the Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival, held in the iconic lakeside town of Loiyangalani in Laisamis Constituency, Marsabit County.
He reiterated the importance of upholding cultural values in strengthening families, empowering youths, and passing traditions from generation to generation.
He lauded the leadership of Marsabit County for successfully hosting this year’s festival, themed “Celebrating Our Diversity, Strengthening Our Unity,” which reflects the county’s commitment to peace, cultural pride, and community resilience.
The festival brought together 14 culturally vibrant communities of Marsabit, Rendille, Gabra, Borana, Samburu, Turkana, El Molo, Burji, Sakuye, Garri, Somali, Dassanech, Konso, Waata, and Arab each showcasing unique traditions, languages, regalia, and rituals, making Marsabit one of Kenya’s most diverse counties.
During the event, the Deputy President issued a stern warning to bandits who continue to terrorise residents, citing the recent attack in Laisamis Constituency where an unknown number of goats were stolen.
“We have to stop this problem once and for all. We cannot continue, at this age, experiencing insecurity where cattle rustlers steal people’s livestock in broad daylight,” affirmed Prof. Kindiki.
He directed the security agencies deployed in Marsabit, including the Kenya Defence Forces, the Police, National Police Reservists, and other special units, to arrest the criminals.
On development, the Second in Command assured residents that the Ruto administration is committed to fulfilling its development pledges.
He highlighted ongoing projects, including roads, electricity, fish markets, affordable housing, and hostels.
He further announced that the government has set aside Ksh 1 billion for last-mile electricity connectivity, which will benefit 6,100 new homesteads in Marsabit County, with Laisamis Constituency receiving Sh 142 million for 508 new homesteads.
Other major electricity projects include the expansion of Mount Kulal Power Station and the 310-megawatt Lake Turkana Wind Power Project supplying the national grid.
Leaders present at the festival included Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo Riwe, Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton, and several members of the Marsabit County Assembly.
