Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans to draw strength from the country’s rich cultural heritage, saying cultural diversity should be used to strengthen peace, unity and development.
Speaking in Loiyangalani during the close of the 14th Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival, he called on communities to embrace one another and use their traditions to build a stable and united country.
“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," Kindiki said.
He noted that the festival, which brought together communities from across Marsabit, shows the important role culture plays in shaping families, guiding the youth and passing values from one generation to the next.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki attends the closing ceremony of the 14th Edition of the Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival at Loiyangalani in Laisamis Constituency in Marsabit County in December 6, 2025.PHOTO/DPCSThe event’s theme, “Celebrating Our Diversity, Strengthening Our Unity,” he said, reflects the county’s efforts to promote peace and cultural pride.
This year’s festival brought together 14 communities including the Rendille, Gabra, Borana, Samburu, Turkana, El Molo, Burji, Sakuye, Garri, Somali, Dassanech, Konso, Waata and Arab. Their songs, dress, languages and customs were on full display, highlighting why Marsabit is considered one of the most culturally diverse regions in the country.
During the event, Kindiki also issued a firm warning to armed criminals hiding in parts of Marsabit. Referring to a recent attack in Laisamis where goats were stolen, he said the government would not allow bandits to continue causing fear among residents.
“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 Kindiki.
He directed security officers drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces, the police, National Police Reservists and other specialised units to hunt down those behind attacks and ensure peace is restored in affected areas.
The Deputy President also assured residents that the current administration is pushing forward with its development promises. He pointed to projects in roads, electricity, fish markets, affordable housing and student hostels that are underway across the county.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addressing the crowds at the closing ceremony of the 14th Edition of the Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival at Loiyangalani in Laisamis Constituency in Marsabit County in December 6, 2025.PHOTO/DPCSHe further revealed that the government has allocated Ksh1 billion for last-mile electricity connections expected to reach 6,100 households in Marsabit. Out of that amount, Laisamis Constituency will receive Sh142 million, which will connect 508 homes to power.
Major energy projects in the county include the expansion of the Mount Kulal Power Station and the 310 megawatts Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, which feeds electricity into the national grid.
Leaders who joined the Deputy President at the event included Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo Riwe, Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton and several ward representatives.
