Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans to safeguard national unity, saying Kenyans have no other home and warning that political differences should never be allowed to destroy relationships built over generations.
He said the government and the Church share a common mission of promoting peace, moral values and development, describing religious institutions as critical partners in improving the lives of Kenyans through education, healthcare and economic empowerment.
Speaking during the ACK Diocese of Embu's 36th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service at Kigari Teachers Training College in Embu County, Kindiki said the government's vision closely mirrors that of the Church, with both institutions working to foster peaceful coexistence, uphold moral values and improve the welfare of citizens.
"The government values the Church very highly because our goals as a government closely align with the goals of the Church," he said. "The Church teaches us to live peacefully with our neighbours, and that is also the government's objective—to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their families or communities, live together in peace."
The Deputy President reminded Kenyans that the country belongs to all its citizens and called for moderation whenever political or social disagreements arise.
"As Kenyans, we have no other home—this is the only home we have. We must protect it and ensure it remains safe," Kindiki said.
He cautioned leaders and citizens against using divisive rhetoric, saying temporary political disagreements should not be allowed to damage relationships that have endured for generations.
"Whenever we have disagreements or engage in discussions, we should remain moderate because there is always tomorrow. We should not destroy relationships that have been built over centuries because of temporary disagreements," he said.
Kindiki said both the government and the Church pursue similar objectives by encouraging citizens to uphold the law, live responsibly and contribute positively to society.
"The Church teaches us to live righteous lives and avoid sin. Likewise, the government encourages citizens to avoid crime and actions that violate the law. We share the same interests," he said.
He praised the Anglican Church for complementing government efforts through investments in education, healthcare, water projects and youth empowerment, saying development goes hand in hand with spiritual guidance.
"It is not enough to preach so that someone becomes a believer. It is equally important to ensure that person has access to quality education, a livelihood and economic empowerment," he said. "The government therefore sees the Church as an important partner in development."
Kindiki also assured religious leaders that the government would respect the independence of churches and would not use places of worship to advance divisive political messages.
"We are not going to interfere with church activities or use the Church as a platform to spread messages that divide people or create conflict," he said.
Turning to politics in the Mt Kenya region, the Deputy President urged residents to reject divisions, saying communities across the region have worked together for decades and should remain united.
"I do not want to see our communities speaking different political languages. We are one people," he said.
Reflecting on the region's shared history, Kindiki said the people of Mt Kenya had achieved significant progress through unity and cooperation.
"For many years, from Kirinyaga all the way to Meru... we have worked together. The people of the Mount Kenya region have achieved many things together and share a long history. There is nothing that should divide us," he said.