Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that the government is firmly committed to safeguarding national unity and will not allow the country to relapse into election-related violence like that witnessed in 2007.
Speaking during an empowerment forum for small-scale traders in Etago, South Mugirango, Kisii County, the Deputy President emphasized that the era of politically instigated violence is over and that Kenyans should never again turn against one another due to political choices.
โWe will not allow one Kenyan to turn on another Kenyan because of political choices. It will never happen again,โ Kindiki stated. โWe will protect the unity and stability of our country at all costs. The unity of our country is the first and most important duty.โ
Kindiki urged Kenyans to embrace political tolerance and coexist peacefully, stating that differing opinions should never be a source of division.
โDivergence in political persuasions and beliefs should not undermine the unity of this country. We are one country, one people, and Kenya is our home,โ he added.
The Deputy President also called for an end to what he termed โpremature politics,โ urging leaders to focus on service delivery and improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
โIt is unacceptable to engage in premature politics instead of serving the people. It is time to find solutions to their challenges and coexist in peace and unity,โ he said.
In Kisii County, the government is constructing 21 modern markets to provide better working conditions for small-scale traders, including mama mboga. Additionally, stalled road projects have been revived to enhance connectivity and spur economic growth.
Kindiki highlighted the ongoing empowerment programs under the Kenya Kwanza administration aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He noted that this approach departs from the past trend of issuing election-period handouts to traders.
โWe are engaging small-scale traders nowโnot waiting until election time to offer them freebies in exchange for support. Their businesses are the backbone of our economy,โ he said.
One of the flagship initiatives is the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program, which aims to empower at least 70 businesses per ward with KSh 50,000 in grants. The goal is to uplift youth-led enterprises and stimulate grassroots economic growth.
Kindiki reiterated that President William Rutoโs administration is inclusive and focused on development rather than political sideshows.
โThis government has embraced everyone, regardless of who they supported. We are focused on building the nation and empowering Kenyans,โ he said.
