- Governor Mohamud Ali expressed concern over the political temperatures in the county.
- He urged leaders to stop divisive utterances saying such utterances made by some of the leaders cause unnecessary tension.
Image: ABDIKADIR CHARI
Marsabit leaders led by Governor Mohamud Ali have called for an end to politics of division and hatred in the county saying it is derailing development.
Speaking during the 61st Madaraka Day celebration held at Marsabit stadium, Governor Ali expressed concern over the political temperatures in the county.
He urged leaders to stop divisive utterances saying such utterances made by some of the leaders cause unnecessary tension.
"I caution politicians to desist from making inflammatory and divisive utterances and instead concentrate on serving electorates," he said
He called on leaders to be at the forefront in addressing unity and peaceful coexistence among the residents and not preaching politics of division.
"Leaders must be careful to their utterances and preach peace and unity," he said
The county boss called on the national security team to be vigilant on utterances made by politicians and arrest those who are out to pull back efforts made to ensure unity and peace in the region.
He said although the constitution gives them the right to expression, they should not resort to statements that are likely to create animosity and hatred among communities.
He scoffed at his critics saying the time for politicking is over and they should wait for the next election to sell their alternative agenda to the people.
"We have come a long way from the violence that rocked this county, which was caused by unnecessary utterances and we don't want to go back there," he said.
Image: ABDIKADIR CHARI
The governor cautioned leaders, advising them against sowing discord among communities residing in the county.
"You cannot be elected today and the following day you hit the campaign trail. This is what is derailing development and it's immoral," he said
The county boss while emphasizing the importance of unity among leaders reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring peace and security and pledged to work towards fostering peace.
The governor assured residents that his government intends to fulfil every promise they made to the people.
"As your governor, I want to assure you that my administration will do everything possible to exceed your expectations and fulfil your hopes and dreams," he said
The governor highlighted the stride he made in various sectors, emphasizing that his administration is committed to enhancing the overall well-being of its citizens.
He said in the last year, his administration upgraded 90 km of roads to bitumen standards and improved 10 km of urban and rural road network through grading and gravelling.
He said that under the emergency flood response program, the partnership with the EU and French Development Agency intends to upgrade the Logologo- Karar road to gravel standard and upgrade to bitumen standard section of roads in the Saku constituency.
The county boss said more than 4,000 needy students across the county were fully sponsored by the county government and over 21,000 ECDE learners are on county-supported school meals programme.
Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo called on political leaders to tone down on utterances that may ignite division.
He expressed concern that unnecessary utterances and hate speech could lead to far-reaching consequences on the peace, stability and progress of the country.
The deputy governor called on the residents to reject attempts by the political class to instigate acts of violence and other mischief.
He said that some leaders were hellbent on fuelling propaganda against the administration of Governor Ali.
Marsabit County acting county commissioner David Saruni put on notice those spreading hate speech on social media platforms in the region and underscored the importance of unity and harmony among the residents.
The administrator warned stations against airing inflammatory remarks saying they must be sensitive and not to be used as conveyor belts for hate speech.
Marsabit County Assembly Speaker Edin Wario who attended the event appealed to all leaders to unite for the sake of fostering unity and development.
"I urge our leaders to shun divisive politics and work together for the county's cohesion and development," he said
Community elder Jarso Wario said politicians should desist from uttering disparaging remarks and abusing other leaders as this could fuel violence and threaten political stability.
"Our county can only realise development if leaders embrace a united front," he said
Wario said leaders should stop insulting each other as this can cause divisions along tribal lines.
"The governor and his family must be accorded the respect he deserves. Leaders must remain united for the betterment of our county," he said.