Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans to reject political incitement and tribal divisions, warning that such rhetoric threatens national unity and derails development.
Speaking during an empowerment engagement in Kibirichia, Buuri Constituency, Meru County on Saturday, Kindiki emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence among all communities, calling for unity in building a prosperous nation.
“There’s only one Kenya. The country will develop if all communities co-exist. That is why we will not lend space to those trying to divide and incite Kenyans along tribal lines,” the Deputy President stated.
Kindiki cautioned against leaders exploiting ethnic differences for political gain, stressing that most communities are interwoven across the country. “You cannot incite one community against the other because our people are everywhere. We must preach peace and ensure equitable development in all parts of the country,” he said.
The Deputy President also highlighted the government’s ongoing empowerment programs targeting grassroots groups and small-scale traders, defending the initiative as a critical tool for economic inclusion.
“Empowerment is central to bettering the lives of millions of Kenyans, especially those at the grassroots. Anyone opposed to this doesn’t understand how Ksh.10,000, Ksh.20,000, or Ksh.50,000 can uplift someone’s hustle,” he said, adding that the program supports mama mboga, boda boda riders, artisans, and other informal traders vital to local economies.
Kindiki noted that the empowerment initiative complements broader national policies, including the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) and the Kenya Jobs Economic Transformation program, which target youth and women empowerment.
Beyond economic empowerment, the Deputy President listed key government-funded projects in Meru County, including the construction of 17 new markets and plans for six more. Additionally, Ksh.1.9 billion has been allocated to expand last-mile electricity connections, aiming for 20,000 new household hookups.
“We are reviving stalled roads, enhancing electricity access, and creating jobs in various sectors. These projects are all aimed at improving the lives of our people,” he concluded.
Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to development and unity, urging Kenyans to focus on building rather than dividing the nation.
Written By Rodney Mbua
