Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Sunday, August 3, 2025, brought together two long-time political adversaries Tiaty MP William Kamket and Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap for a rare public show of unity during a church service in Kabartonjo, Baringo County.

Speaking at the African Inland Church (AIC) Kabartonjo, Kindiki described the sight of the two leaders seated in the same sanctuary as nothing short of divine intervention, praising the symbolic moment as a significant step toward regional reconciliation.

“Today, as I sat here and saw Kamket on one side and Makilap on the other, I thought to myself, truly, God works miracles,” the Deputy President remarked. “Many from outside this region may not grasp the significance of this, but we understand what this means for Baringo.”

Historically, the two MPs members of the Kaplelach age set in the Kalenjin cultural hierarchy have been embroiled in bitter political rivalry, particularly over the persistent issue of banditry in the region.

Tensions between them have in the past spilled into public exchanges of blame. However, relations have thawed in recent years, especially after Kamket’s 2022 decision to cooperate with the Kenya Kwanza government, despite his election on a KANU ticket.

In a symbolic gesture, Kindiki later invited the pair to the front of the church to shake hands before the congregation, prompting applause and smiles from worshippers.

The Deputy President, who previously served as Interior Cabinet Secretary and was widely credited for spearheading security operations to restore order in the troubled North Rift, also poked fun at Kamket in a lighter moment.

“Nowadays, Kamket is a good man,” Kindiki said with a smile. “I agree with Makilap he might just become a bishop someday, if we follow the proper procedures.”

His remark was in reference to an earlier comment by Makilap, who jokingly referred to Kamket as “bishop” during the church service, sparking laughter among congregants. One speaker had earlier cast doubts on the MP’s suitability for priesthood, in light of a sermon focused on “the power of the tongue.”

Meanwhile, AIC Bishop William Kotut delivered a stern message directed at Kenya’s Generation Z, rebuking what he described as a growing culture of disrespect toward leaders.

The bishop warned that derogatory language particularly online speech targeting national figures was not only harmful but spiritually perilous. Drawing from biblical teachings, he likened the behavior to that of youths who mocked the prophet Elijah and were devoured by wild beasts as punishment.

“I often watch TV and wonder what happened to respect,” Kotut lamented. “Young people today are hurling insults at national leaders, using language that is unacceptable not just for a president, but for any elder.”

He urged young Kenyans to rethink their words and attitudes toward their nation and its leadership.

“Words carry weight. They wound deeper than physical injuries. People may recover from bruises, but the damage caused by reckless words can leave lifelong scars,” he said.

Bishop Kotut, known for his philanthropic work in the region, called on the youth to choose speech that builds rather than tears down, warning that failure to do so could carry grave consequences.