DP Kindiki urges respect for Raila’s name and legacy

The Deputy President, who co-chaired the State Funeral Committee for the departed leader, said it is unacceptable to disrespect and dishonour Raila’s unmatched quest for a united and prosperous Kenya.

Speaking on Wednesday during a development visit to West Pokot, Prof. Kindiki said it is wrong to ridicule the former PM, highlighting the state honours he was accorded during his send-off.

“Let no one attempt to disrespect nor dishonour his name and his legacy. It is quite shameful for any leader to demean Raila’s legacy or celebrate his death,” DP stated.

The DP 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.

He said Raila will always be saluted and honoured for many years to come for the sacrifices he made to make Kenya a better country.

“We accorded him a state funeral with full military honours. He may not have been a head of state but what he did is great for Kenya. He has passed on as he worked to bring the country together. We salute him and we pledge to continue uniting Kenya because that is the best thing we can do to remember and honour our departed Prime Minister Raila Odinga,” he noted.

During the visit, Prof. Kindiki kicked off last-mile electricity connection for Longarkau village in 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 extra 10, 200 homes.

From it, Kacheliba constituency has received Sh678 million to power at least 4000 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,” DP noted.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Emily Chelangat Koibos, was elated to welcome the DP to her home to switch on electricity. She said she had never imagined she would have power in her house in her lifetime.

“This feels like a dream. I lack words to express how I feel now because from today I will be switching on and off power in my house. My children will now read and do their homework without lighting challenges at night,” said the mother of four.

Another local, Ms Jeniffer Lodet, welcomed the electricity expansion to the area noting it will help in curbing insecurity.

“Women have been attacked at night by criminals and their properties stolen but now because of security lights we will no longer fear being attacked,” she said.

Additionally, stalled roads have also been revived in the County among them Makutano-Alale Road which is progressing.

Modern markets are also ongoing in Alale, Makutano, Ortum, Sigor, Chapareria and others with the government spending over Sh520 million on them.

Affordable houses are also underway in Kapenguria town and soon in Alale.

Sh800 million has been allocated for hostels for 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 engagement on ongoing projects and others in the pipeline. We must ensure the county develops like other counties,” DP emphasized.

The DP was joined by West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, MPs Titus Lotee (Kacheliba), David Pkosing (Pokot South), William Kamket (Tiaty), former Governor John Lonyangapuo, former Senator Samuel Phogisio and former Women Representative Lilian Tomitom, host of MCAs among others.