Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged leaders to honour the name and legacy of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and avoid disparaging or inciting remarks.
The Deputy President, who co-chaired the State Funeral Committee for the departed leader, said it is unacceptable to disrespect or dishonour Raila’s unmatched quest for a united and prosperous Kenya.
Speaking on Wednesday during a development visit to West Pokot, Kindiki said it is wrong to ridicule the former Prime Minister, highlighting the state honours he was accorded during his send-off.
“Let no one attempt to disrespect or dishonour his name and his legacy. It is quite shameful for any leader to demean Raila’s legacy or celebrate his death,” the DP stated.
The Deputy President urged those opposed to the late leader to respect his family and what he stood for.
“If you don’t respect the person, respect the country, the family, and the values he stood for. Moving forward and drawing lessons and guidance from him, Kenya will be a better country,” he added.
Kindiki said Raila will always be saluted and honoured for many years to come for the sacrifices he made to make Kenya a better nation.
“We accorded him a state funeral with full military honours. He may not have been a Head of State, but what he did was great for Kenya. He passed on while working to bring the country together. We salute him and pledge to continue uniting Kenya because that is the best way to remember and honour our departed Prime Minister Raila Odinga,” he noted.
During the visit, Kindiki launched a last-mile electricity connection in Longarkau village, Suam Ward, Kacheliba Constituency, West Pokot County, and later addressed residents in Kacheliba town.
West Pokot is among the biggest beneficiaries of the last-mile electricity programme after it was allocated Sh2 billion to connect an additional 10,200 homes. Of this, Kacheliba Constituency has received Sh678 million to power at least 4,000 homes.
“We are uniting the country to ensure every part is developed, including West Pokot. Our unity is not for selfish reasons because all Kenyans deserve development,” the DP noted.
One of the beneficiaries, Emily Chelangat Koibos, was elated to welcome the Deputy President to her home to switch on electricity.
“This feels like a dream. I lack words to express how I feel because from today I will be switching power on and off in my house. My children will now read and do their homework without lighting challenges at night,” said the mother of four.
Another local, Jeniffer Lodet, welcomed the electricity expansion in the area, noting it will help curb insecurity.
“Women have been attacked at night by criminals and their property stolen, but now, because of security lights, we will no longer fear being attacked,” she said.
Additionally, stalled road projects in the county have been revived, among them the Makutano–Alale Road, which is progressing well.
Modern markets are also under construction in Alale, Makutano, Ortum, Sigor, and Chapareria, with the government spending over Sh520 million on the projects.
Affordable housing projects are underway in Kapenguria town and soon in Alale.
Sh800 million has been allocated for hostels at Kapenguria KMTC and Sh165 million for Kodich Technical and Training Institute.
In total, Sh25.3 billion has been set aside for various development projects in the county.
“I will be hosting West Pokot leaders in Nairobi for engagements on ongoing projects and others in the pipeline. We must ensure the county develops like other counties,” the Deputy President emphasized.
The DP was joined by West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, MPs Titus Lotee (Kacheliba), David Pkosing (Pokot South), and William Kamket (Tiaty), former Governor John Lonyangapuo, former Senator Samuel Phogisio, former Woman Representative Lilian Tomitom, and several MCAs, among others.
