DP Kindiki tears 'tribalists' as empowerment lands in Tana River

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. [File, Standard]

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has torn into “tribalists” while defending his economic empowerment tours in Tana River, saying the visits aim to uplift communities, not advance early campaigns.

Kindiki landed in Garsen, Hola and Bura constituencies on Tuesday, leading fund drives for women groups and small businesses as part of a push to catalyse local economic revival.

Speaking at Garsen Grounds, Kindiki urged support for the broad-based government under President William Ruto, saying development resources are now shared equally, including in coastal areas long left behind.

“This time round the country must develop equally and Tana River as well as other areas in the coastal region that have been underdeveloped for many years, we must make sure we work shoulder to shoulder for access to equal development,” said Kindiki.

He outlined ongoing government projects, including the construction of modern markets in Garsen, Hola, Bangale and Mandogo towns, with cold rooms, lactating rooms, social halls and ICT hubs.

“These markets are equipped with critical facilities like adequate spaces for goods, cold rooms, lactating rooms, social halls and ICT hubs among others,” noted Kindiki.

He also highlighted a new Jitume Lab, 580 student hostel units, planned electricity connections, Sh411 million for a Lamu to Tana River link road and a Sh151 million grant for fishermen.

Critics, mainly from the opposition, have dismissed the meetings as thinly disguised campaigns. However, Kindiki insisted his public engagements are about maintaining a connection with Kenyans.

“The empowerment program is aimed at supporting wananchi now not to wait until elections. We will stand with them all the time as we promised during campaigns,” said Kindiki.
Kindiki warned that attempts to divide Kenyans along tribal lines will be resisted.

“We are in the broad-based government and we have agreed to work together for a one nation, one flag, one people. We cannot entertain tribalism again in this country. The tribalists will come here but tell them you are for one Kenya and you would not accept to be divided along tribal lines,” observed Kindiki.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro and area Senator Danson Mungatana accompanied Kindiki during the tour.