Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans to embrace cultural diversity as a national asset to strengthen unity and accelerating developments.
Speaking on Saturday during the colourful closing ceremony of the 14th Marsabit–Lake Turkana Cultural Festival in Loiyangalani, Laisamis Constituency, Kindiki said Kenya’s mosaic of cultures should be used to build bridges not fuel divisions.
“Let us use culture to build our country’s unity, stability and cohesion. God wants 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 a uniting factor so we can integrate and develop our country. I urge our elders to take the lead in uniting the people as government delivers development.”he noted.
The Deputy President underscored the importance of cultural values as anchors of strong families, empowered youth and intergenerational continuity.
He hailed Marsabit’s leadership for consistently championing peace through culture, noting that this year’s festival theme “Celebrating Our Diversity, Strengthening Our Unity” captures the spirit of the region’s resilience.
The three-day festival brought together 14 culturally vibrant communities: Rendille, Gabra, Borana, Samburu, Turkana, El Molo, Burji, Sakuye, Garri, Somali, Dassanech, Konso, Waata and Arab. Each community showcased its rich languages, regalia, dances and rituals, painting Marsabit as one of Kenya’s most culturally diverse counties.
But amid the celebrations, the DP also sent a stern warning to criminal elements still perpetrating banditry in the region citing a recent livestock theft incident in Laisamis, he said the government would no longer tolerate insecurity disguised as cultural practice.
“We have to stop this bandits menace once and for all. We cannot continue at this age experiencing insecurity where cattle rustlers steal people’s livestock in broad daylight,” he said.
Prof Kindiki directed security agencies including the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Police Reservists and other special units to hunt down and arrest the perpetrators without delay.
Turning to development, the DP assured residents that the Kenya Kwanza administration is on track with its transformation agenda for the northern region.
He pointed to ongoing infrastructure and socio-economic interventions, including roads, electricity expansion, fish markets, affordable housing and student hostels.
The second in command at the same time announced that the national government has allocated KSh1 billion for last-mile electricity connectivity across Marsabit County.
The investment,he said is expected to benefit 6,100 new homesteads, with Laisamis Constituency receiving KSh142 million to connect 508 homes.
The former Interior cabinet secretary highlighted other flagship energy projects such as the expansion of the Mount Kulal Power Station and the influential 310MW Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, currently the single largest wind power installation in Africa and a significant contributor to the national grid.
The DP emphasized that security, cultural unity and development must work hand in hand to unlock Marsabit’s full potential. He reassured residents that the government is committed to restoring lasting peace to pave the way for investment, tourism and socio-economic growth.
Leaders who were present at the lakeside event included Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo Riwe, Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton, and several Members of the Marsabit County Assembly, all of whom reiterated their support for peace initiatives anchored in cultural cohesion.
The festival which is held annually against the dramatic backdrop of Lake Turkana and the rugged Marsabit landscape, remains one of Kenya’s most iconic cultural gatherings celebrating heritage while championing dialogue, unity and shared prosperity.
