NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 1 – Lamu leaders emerged from a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday and announced that they had resolved to bury their individual and political differences for the sake of unity and development in the county.
The leaders, who included Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa, Governor Issa Timammy, Senator Abu Chiaba and County Assembly Speaker Mohammed Hashim Salim, met with President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto at State House Nairobi.
They agreed to provide leadership in addressing the challenges facing the county, saying problems in their County required local solutions.
The Governor said: “We are happy with the President and the national Government for the initiatives to restore peace in the county. We have today decided to forget our differences for the sake of unity. You will witness for yourselves the fruits of the new-found unity among the leaders of Lamu County.”
Ndegwa said the ‘journey to unite all communities in the County has just started’ and urged leaders to avoid hypocrisy. Hashim stressed the need for the national and county governments to work together in addressing challenges affecting Kenyans.
The Senator said: “Let us unite for prosperity in the county and to reclaim our lost glory.”
President Kenyatta urged politicians to adhere to the unity agreement and preach peace and harmony all the time. He regretted that some political leaders were not truthful and engaged in doublespeak. They were hatemongers in the dark, said the President.
“I am certain that with the unity of purpose agreed on with the Deputy President, you will work together on all challenges faced in the County,” he told the leaders.
President Kenyatta said the insecurity in the county and some other parts of the country must be addressed collectively through collaboration between security agencies and the public. He stated that the Government is not at war with any community or religion but will go after criminals irrespective of their origin.
“I want to assure you that criminals, from whichever community, will face the full force of the law. Support security agencies by exposing their collaborators,” said the President.
The Deputy President told the leaders to rise above petty differences and work together in addressing the challenges of their constituents. He told them to hold joint public rallies to end animosity among communities.
The Deputy President said: “You are responsible for peace and unity in the county. You, the leaders, will divide or unite Lamu residents”.
He assured them that the National Government will work with leaders at all levels to realise its agenda of uniting all Kenyans and transforming the country.
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