The Mountain Journal
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has taken the unity message from Mt Kenya West to the East, declaring there is no room for political or regional divisions within the mountain.
Speaking at Kiutine Market in Igembe Central, Meru, Kindiki said the message he delivered in Nyeri must also be heard in Meru, insisting that Mt Kenya was one and should move forward as a united community.
“We are one nation, one community, one mountain and one GEMA community. We must move forward together as one community,” Kindiki said.
The DP said elders from across the region had rejected attempts to create a political divide between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West.
He said the message was not about one section of the mountain, but a broader call for unity that should eventually bring together communities from across Kenya.
“I will follow the advice of our elders because I respect them. They are our parents and the custodians of our land,” he said.
Kindiki said the elders had also asked him to reach out to Kenyans across political and regional divides, adding that he had no personal conflict with any leader.
“From now on, the elders have advised me to unite all Kenyans. I have forgiven everyone who has insulted me… I have no conflict with any leader,” he said.
The unity message came alongside a strong warning over illicit alcohol, which Kindiki described as a growing threat to the future of young people in Mt Kenya and the country.
He said the Government would go after the entire illicit alcohol chain, from those making and manufacturing the drinks to distributors and retailers.
“We have faced challenges, and the elders of Mount Kenya and other regions have raised concerns about illicit alcohol,” Kindiki said.
“There are people who are adding poisonous chemicals to alcohol, which is damaging the health of our young people and our elderly citizens.”
Kindiki said the Government would intensify the crackdown on poisonous alcohol and those profiting from its sale.
“I will do everything within my power to lead the Government of Kenya’s fight against those manufacturing and selling poisonous substances in the name of alcohol,” he said.
He directed OCSs, chiefs and county commissioners to intensify enforcement against illicit brews and alcohol containing harmful substances.
Security was another major issue at the Kiutine meeting, with Kindiki announcing that Kiutine and Kiengu police posts had been upgraded to full police stations.
Each station will have an Officer Commanding Station as the Government seeks to strengthen security in an area that has experienced livestock theft and other forms of criminality.
“Cases of livestock theft and other forms of criminality have started to decline, and I want to thank all the teams that are here,” Kindiki said.
He said officers had been deployed to the corridor used by livestock thieves to enter the region, steal animals and escape.
The Government has also deployed armoured vehicles to Igembe and restored National Police Reservists to full strength following recent losses.
Kindiki said operations were continuing in Isiolo and Samburu East against armed criminals accused of attacking civilians and security officers.
“We cannot allow criminals to take over any part of Kenya, which is a free and sovereign country,” he said.
On development, Kindiki announced KSh1 billion for the upgrade of Meru General Hospital to Level Six and KSh100 million for Maua-Nyambene Hospital to be upgraded and equipped to Level Five.
He also said KSh2.3 billion had been allocated for electricity connectivity projects expected to connect 17,000 new households across Meru County.
