By S, KNA
Marsabit County Commissioner (CC) James Kamau has urged Kenyans to emulate the resilience of our heroes and heroines, who fought for the country’s independence by adhering to the national values and principles.
Kamau emphasized the importance of cohesion among local communities adding that unity and hard work were key drivers of development.
The CC, who spoke at the Marsabit stadium during this year Mashujaa day celebrations, also urged the pastoralist communities to shun the practice of livestock theft, which he blamed for inter-communal conflicts.
” I am urging you to uphold lasting peace for guaranteed security and development in the county,” urged Kamau, adding that incidents of banditry were slowing down progress.
He noted with satisfaction that the government had managed to control the small scale of livestock theft remnants and called on residents to help in stemming attempts of re-emergence of the vice.
The CC said tranquility was key in enabling both the national and county governments to deliver the much-needed projects for accelerated development.
At the same time, Kamau cautioned against tribalism and disunity, which he described as enemies of development, adding that the focus now was on a united country, where citizens put the nation’s interests above ethnic considerations.
In his address, Governor Mohammud Ali thanked the residents for turning up in large numbers for the celebrations, which he said was a pointer that they were patriotic citizens.
While echoing the call for peace, Ali asked the county security team to firmly deal with a few elements who were still engaging in banditry and cattle rustling.
The governor urged the residents to coexist in harmony, despite their multiethnic composition, saying that President Dr. William Ruto’s administration was keen on having one unified nation.
The governor also pointed out that Marsabit county was endowed with enormous resources and in particular strong winds for the generation of renewable energy.
The tapping of the vast wind power potential, contributes greatly to the country’s endeavour to provide Kenyans with clean, reliable and affordable electricity, which does not only transform lives, but effectively helps in mitigating climate change.
On the same note, the governor pledged to have all health facilities and schools across the county connected to electricity as Marsabit is the host to the largest wind power farm in Africa, The Lake Turkana Wind Power.
“This will enable the county government in promoting education and healthcare service delivery for improved standards of living of the people,” he said.
Ali said the county government, in collaboration with partners, is committed to expanding energy program, which he said, would enhance the protection of the environment and improved health through reduced use of firewood and charcoal.
He observed that the county youth were talented in various fields and asked them to be creative and innovative as his administration was ready to support their initiatives for job creation and income generation.
The governor who led the gathering in observing a moment of silence in honour of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga, called for patriotism and hard work among Kenyans.
Other speakers who included elected leaders and wananchi hailed the fallen opposition leader, describing him as a patriot, who loved his country through dedicated public service, coupled with immense contribution to the growth of democracy.
The colourful celebrations featured parade matches and traditional dance performances by cultural groups, which showcased the county’s rich culture and ethnic diversity.