By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 6 December 2025 - Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on Kenyans to see their cultural differences not as lines of division but as strengths capable of binding the country together.
Speaking in Loiyangalani on Saturday during the closing ceremony of the 14th Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival, Prof Kindiki said Kenya’s rich cultural landscape should be a foundation for peace and shared progress.
He appealed to elders, often regarded as the custodians of tradition, to guide communities towards reconciliation and cohesion.
“Our cultures should bring us together, not push us apart. God created us with different identities so that we may coexist in harmony. I urge our elders to champion unity as the government continues to develop our country,” he said.
This year’s festival, themed “Celebrating Our Diversity, Strengthening Our Unity,” brought together 14 communities from across Marsabit.
From the Rendille to the Dassanech, each group displayed its languages, rituals and colourful regalia, turning the lakeside town into a symbol of harmony in a region often remembered for conflict.
Kindiki praised Marsabit leaders for sustaining an event that showcases resilience and pride in heritage.
But even as the celebrations unfolded, the Deputy President confronted the insecurity that continues to disrupt life in northern Kenya.
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Referencing a recent incident in which goats were stolen in Laisamis, he issued a firm warning to bandits still operating in the area.
“We cannot allow livestock theft to continue in broad daylight,” he said, directing security agencies, including the military, police and National Police Reservists, to take decisive action against perpetrators.
Prof Kindiki also used the visit to reaffirm the government’s development agenda for the region.
He cited ongoing road upgrades, expanded electricity networks, investments in fish markets, and the rollout of affordable housing and student hostels.
He announced that the government has set aside Sh1 billion for last-mile electrification in Marsabit, targeting more than 6,000 new households.
Laisamis Constituency alone will receive KSh 142 million to connect 508 homes.
He added that the expansion of the Mount Kulal Power Station and the 310 MW Lake Turkana Wind Power Project remains central to boosting energy access in the north.
Local leaders, including Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali and Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton, joined residents in welcoming the Deputy President’s remarks and celebrating the festival’s closing day.