The executive has granted permission to Kikuyu cultural elders to hold their cultural events without disruptions from security agencies.
Speaking at the Honi Resort in Nyeri County on Saturday night during the 5th edition of Ngogoyo ya Rware music extravaganza, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua underscored the importance of safeguarding the Gikuyu cultural traditions and values but at the same time asked the cultural elders to safeguard their events from being hijacked and distorted.
“I have summoned all the security agents and we have agreed that Kikuyu cultural events should proceed without interference. We have agreed that our elders will be allowed to meet, perform the cultural ceremonies, unite the community, mentor our youth and especially the boy child who has been sidelined. I have also asked the cultural elders to stay vigilant so that these ceremonies are not hijacked and distorted by people with bad intentions,” said Gachagua.
The event brought together artists and hundreds fans of old Kikuyu music popularly known as Ngogoyo for a night of song and dance.
Gachagua was accompanied by Principal Secretary Gender and Affirmative Action Anne Wang’ombe, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Senators Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri), Veronica Maina (Nominated), Members of Parliament Maina Mathenge (Nyeri Town), Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), Eric Wamumbi (Mathira), and Mejja Donk Gathiru (Embakasi Central),
Others were Joseph Wainaina (Nominated), Kanini Kega (East Africa Legislative Assembly) and Women Representatives Rahab Mukami (Nyeri), Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga) and Betty Maina (Murang’a) and a host of Members of County Assembly Members from Nyeri.
Gachagua also reiterated calls for the Mount Kenya region to remain united. Addressing the revelers, Gachagua emphasized the need for the region to speak in one voice and urged the GEMA community to steer clear of divisive politics that was threatening to split the bloc.
“I have often said our strength is in our unity and in our numbers. We should therefore, not accept to be divided and I urge you to speak in one voice as a community,” said the DP.
Concerning the war on alcoholism and drug abuse, the DP said that the government would not relent on its fight until the menace is completely eradicated.
Citing the recent incident in Kirinyaga County where 23 people died after imbibing illicit brew, Gachagua said that the government would be rolling out a series of interventions which will see the complete eradication of the vice. He however stated that the government interventions would only be targeting the manufacturers and distributors of the killer brews.
“There is a clear distinction between good alcohol and the illicit brews which we have said they shall not be manufactured and sold in this country. I had convened a meeting with senior security officials and Cabinets Secretaries. Next week we will be announcing our resolutions and the steps that we will be taking to ensure that illicit brews or any other poisonous liquor will not be sold to our children,” stated DP.
“We are not targeting or sabotaging any legitimate business but all we are saying is conduct good business, do not make your profits by killing people,” added the DP.
By Kiama Wamutitu
