Kindiki spoke on Saturday during the official closing of the 14th Marsabit–Lake Turkana Cultural Festival held in Loiyangalani, Laisamis Constituency.
The event, which brought together communities from northern Kenya and neighbouring regions, was characterised by traditional songs, dance, colourful attire and cultural exhibitions aimed at promoting peace and harmony.
Kindiki said Kenya’s diverse cultures should never be used to fuel hostility, adding that shared values and traditions can help build stronger communities.
“Our diversity must serve as a uniting factor and not a source of conflict. God created us differently, but we still belong to one nation,” he said.
The Deputy President further challenged community elders, saying they play a critical role in guiding younger generations and resolving disputes at the grassroots.
This year’s festival invited participants from 14 communities including the Rendille, Borana, Samburu, Turkana, Gabra, El Molo, Burji, Somali and Dassanech.
The event, which brought together communities from northern Kenya and neighbouring regions, was characterised by traditional songs, dance, colourful attire and cultural exhibitions aimed at promoting peace and harmony.
Kindiki said Kenya’s diverse cultures should never be used to fuel hostility, adding that shared values and traditions can help build stronger communities.
“Our diversity must serve as a uniting factor and not a source of conflict. God created us differently, but we still belong to one nation,” he said.
The Deputy President further challenged community elders, saying they play a critical role in guiding younger generations and resolving disputes at the grassroots.
This year’s festival invited participants from 14 communities including the Rendille, Borana, Samburu, Turkana, Gabra, El Molo, Burji, Somali and Dassanech.
The meeting provided a platform for exchanging cultural knowledge while celebrating peaceful coexistence.
Kindiki said cultural identity remains important, not only in strengthening families, but also in preparing young people to embrace responsibility and leadership roles.
He praised Marsabit County leaders for consistently supporting peaceful cultural dialogue, which has helped reduce ethnic tensions in parts of northern Kenya.
The festival was anchored on the theme “Celebrating Our Diversity, Strengthening Our Unity,” reflecting an appeal for lasting peace among pastoral communities.
Despite the joyful atmosphere, Kindiki issued a direct warning to individuals involved in banditry, livestock theft and violence in the region. The Deputy President said recent cases of cattle raids had disrupted peace efforts.
“We must end this menace once and for all. Banditry cannot continue to torment families and destroy livelihoods. Stealing livestock in broad daylight is criminal and unacceptable,” he said.
Kindiki instructed the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Police Service, National Police Reservists, and intelligence units to tighten operations and arrest those behind violence.
According to him, security agencies are under firm instructions not to allow criminal networks to disrupt development programmes in the northern corridor.
Turning to development matters, Kindiki highlighted several ongoing government projects aimed at transforming Marsabit County. Among them is a KSh1 billion allocation earmarked for last-mile electricity connectivity.
The funds will allow more than 6,000 homes across the county to access power, with Laisamis Constituency expected to receive connections for at least 500 new households.
He also noted the expansion of the Mount Kulal Power Station and affirmed the importance of the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project—Africa’s biggest wind farm—in boosting energy supply for the region and the rest of the country.
Kindiki said expanded electricity access would support business growth, cold-storage facilities for fish traders, cottage industries, and digital learning programmes.
He also pointed to new infrastructure plans involving roads, affordable housing units and student accommodation facilities near proposed tertiary institutions.
The event was attended by Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali, Deputy Governor Solomon Riwe, Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton and several county assembly members. Local leaders pledged to continue advocating for inter-community peace and cultural preservation.
Governor Ali said cultural events have helped reduce tensions and improve dialogue, especially among young herders.
Kindiki said cultural identity remains important, not only in strengthening families, but also in preparing young people to embrace responsibility and leadership roles.
He praised Marsabit County leaders for consistently supporting peaceful cultural dialogue, which has helped reduce ethnic tensions in parts of northern Kenya.
The festival was anchored on the theme “Celebrating Our Diversity, Strengthening Our Unity,” reflecting an appeal for lasting peace among pastoral communities.
Despite the joyful atmosphere, Kindiki issued a direct warning to individuals involved in banditry, livestock theft and violence in the region. The Deputy President said recent cases of cattle raids had disrupted peace efforts.
“We must end this menace once and for all. Banditry cannot continue to torment families and destroy livelihoods. Stealing livestock in broad daylight is criminal and unacceptable,” he said.
Kindiki instructed the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Police Service, National Police Reservists, and intelligence units to tighten operations and arrest those behind violence.
According to him, security agencies are under firm instructions not to allow criminal networks to disrupt development programmes in the northern corridor.
Turning to development matters, Kindiki highlighted several ongoing government projects aimed at transforming Marsabit County. Among them is a KSh1 billion allocation earmarked for last-mile electricity connectivity.
The funds will allow more than 6,000 homes across the county to access power, with Laisamis Constituency expected to receive connections for at least 500 new households.
He also noted the expansion of the Mount Kulal Power Station and affirmed the importance of the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project—Africa’s biggest wind farm—in boosting energy supply for the region and the rest of the country.
Kindiki said expanded electricity access would support business growth, cold-storage facilities for fish traders, cottage industries, and digital learning programmes.
He also pointed to new infrastructure plans involving roads, affordable housing units and student accommodation facilities near proposed tertiary institutions.
The event was attended by Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali, Deputy Governor Solomon Riwe, Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton and several county assembly members. Local leaders pledged to continue advocating for inter-community peace and cultural preservation.
Governor Ali said cultural events have helped reduce tensions and improve dialogue, especially among young herders.
He encouraged national leaders to continue investing in economic empowerment to reduce competition over grazing areas and water sources.
Residents expressed optimism that improved security and new investment in infrastructure will open the region to tourism, fishing industries and long-distance trade.
Kindiki concluded by saying that the government will remain firm in eliminating banditry, protecting lives and accelerating development.
“When peace is secured, development follows. We remain committed to ensuring Marsabit becomes a safe and prosperous region,” he said.
Residents expressed optimism that improved security and new investment in infrastructure will open the region to tourism, fishing industries and long-distance trade.
Kindiki concluded by saying that the government will remain firm in eliminating banditry, protecting lives and accelerating development.
“When peace is secured, development follows. We remain committed to ensuring Marsabit becomes a safe and prosperous region,” he said.
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