DP Kindiki: Use culture to foster peace and development

“Let us use culture to build our country’s unity, stability and cohesion. God want all of us with our diverse cultures and ethnicity to live in unity as citizens. Let our diversity not be a reason for conflict, but rather let it be 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 spoke on Saturday when he graced the closing ceremony of the 14th Edition of the Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival held at the iconic lakeside town of Loiyangalani in Laisamis Constituency in Marsabit County where he reiterated the importance of upholding cultural values in building families, empowering youths and generations to generations.

Prof. Kindiki lauded the leadership of Marsabit County for successfully hosting this year’s festival themed “Celebrating Our Diversity, Strengthening Our Unity,” reflecting Marsabit’s commitment to peace, cultural pride, and community resilience.

The festival brought together the 14 culturally vibrant communities of Marsabit: Rendille, Gabra, Borana, Samburu, Turkana, El Molo, Burji, Sakuye, Garri, Somali, Dassanech, Konso, Waata, and Arab, each contributing unique traditions, languages, regalia, and rituals that make Marsabit one of Kenya’s most diverse counties.

At the same time, the Deputy President fired a warning shot to the bandits who are still terrorizing the citizens in Marsabit County citing the recent attack in Laisamis Constituency where 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 ordered the security agencies deployed to Marsabit composed of the Kenya Defense Forces, the Police, National Police Reservists and other special forces to arrest the criminals," he said.

On development, the Second in Command assured the residents that the Ruto administration is working hard in fulfilling its development pledges. He cited projects including roads, electricity, fish markets, affordable housing, hostels among others that are ongoing in the region.

He also announced that the government has set aside Ksh1 billion for last mile electricity connectivity set to benefit 6,100 new homesteads in Marsabit County where Laisamis Constituency will receive Sh142 million for 508 new homesteads.

Other major electricity projects include the expansion of Mount Kulal Power Station and the 310 Megawatts Lake Turkana Wind Power Project supplying the national grid.

Leaders present were Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, Marsabit Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo Riwe, Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton and a host of Members of Marsabit County Assembly.