Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on leaders across the country to respect the name and legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, urging them to refrain from making disparaging or inciting remarks.
Speaking on Wednesday during a development tour of West Pokot County, Kindiki said it was unacceptable for any leader to dishonour Raila, describing him as a national icon whose lifelong pursuit of unity and prosperity for Kenya should be celebrated, not ridiculed.
“It is shameful for any leader to demean Raila’s legacy or celebrate his death. Let no one attempt to disrespect or dishonour his name and what he stood for,” the Deputy President said.
Kindiki, who co-chaired the State Funeral Committee for the late Prime Minister, reminded leaders that Raila was accorded full state honours in recognition of his immense contribution to the country.
“He may not have been a Head of State, but what he did for Kenya is remarkable. We gave him a state funeral with full military honours because he worked tirelessly to bring Kenyans together. We salute him and pledge to continue uniting this country in his honour,” Kindiki stated.
He urged those who may have disagreed with the late leader to nonetheless show respect to his family and the values he championed.
“If you don’t respect the person, respect the country, the family, and the principles he stood for. Learning from his example will help us build a better Kenya,” he said.
During the visit, the Deputy President launched the last-mile electricity connection project for Longarkau village in Suam Ward, Kacheliba Constituency.
West Pokot County is among the biggest beneficiaries of the programme, having been allocated Sh2 billion to connect an additional 10,200 homes.
Of this, Kacheliba Constituency will receive Sh678 million to power at least 4,000 homes.
“We are uniting the country to ensure that every region is developed, including West Pokot. Our unity is not for selfish reasons; it’s because all Kenyans deserve progress,” Kindiki said.
He also announced that several stalled infrastructure projects in the county have been revived, including the Makutano-Alale Road and the construction of modern markets in Alale, Makutano, Ortum, Sigor, and Chapareria, at a cost of over Sh520 million.
He added that affordable housing projects are ongoing in Kapenguria and will soon begin in Alale, with Sh800 million allocated for hostels at Kapenguria KMTC and Sh165 million for the Kodich Technical and Training Institute.
In total, Sh25.3 billion has been set aside for various development projects in West Pokot.
“I will be hosting West Pokot leaders in Nairobi to review ongoing and planned projects. We must ensure this county develops like all others,” Kindiki said.
He was accompanied by West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, MPs Titus Lotee (Kacheliba), David Pkosing (Pokot South), William Kamket (Tiaty), former Governor John Lonyangapuo, former Senator Samuel Poghisio, and former Woman Representative Lilian Tomitom, among other local leaders.
