Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on Kenyans to reject violence and embrace peaceful dialogue as a means to resolve national challenges, warning that no country can grow in the midst of unrest and destruction.

Speaking at Mkunguni Grounds in Lamu West on Monday during an Economic Empowerment Forum for Women Groups and Saccos, Kindiki urged citizens to adopt calm and consultative approaches when raising concerns. He cautioned that incitement and disorder would only slow down the country’s development.

"I plead with you, my fellow countrymen, we cannot build this country through chaos, incitement and violence. We must learn to solve our national problems through consultations, discussions and peaceful ways," Kindiki said.

The Deputy President stressed that while every Kenyan has a right to speak out and demand accountability, such expression must be done in a peaceful and constructive manner.

“There’s nothing more precious in a country than peace and stability,” he said, warning that those inciting unrest were undermining the country’s future.

Kindiki had earlier addressed a similar gathering in Faza, Lamu East, as part of his week-long empowerment tour across the coastal counties of Tana River, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Mombasa and Lamu.

He said the government’s ongoing projects under the Kenya Kwanza administration are proof of a strong development foundation being laid ahead of President William Ruto’s second term.

He dismissed opposition critics as lacking meaningful solutions and accused them of being stuck in slogans.

“Our opponents are plan-less,” Kindiki said. “Don’t listen to them. They will mislead you yet they haven’t stood with you in your time of need.”

The Deputy President highlighted key development milestones including the construction of 400 modern markets during the current term, and promised 2,000 more in the next. He also pointed to the first-ever tarmac road in Lamu East, calling it a sign of inclusive development that reaches even the most remote corners of the country.

“All Kenyans have equal rights to development. You cannot say someone doesn’t deserve it because of where they were born,” he added.

Kindiki also announced the scrapping of bureaucratic hurdles in the issuance of national identity cards, especially in remote areas. He said the process is now free and no longer requires additional vetting for youth applicants.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development, saying it serves all citizens regardless of tribe, region, or religion. He urged Kenyans to stay united and focused on building a peaceful and prosperous nation.

Kindiki was joined by a host of leaders including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Owen Baya (Kilifi North) Captain Ruweida Mohammed (Lamu East), Muthoni Marubu (Lamu County).

Others were Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), John Bwire (Taveta), Zamzam Mohamed (Mombasa), Fatuma Masito (Kwale), William Kamket (Tiaty), Sabina Chege (Nominated), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Abdirahman Mohamed Abdi (Lafey), Leah Sankaire (Kajiado), Geoffrey Mulanya (Nambale), and Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo) among others.