Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Thursday condemned the violence that erupted during the unveiling of a new party by his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, even as he called for political tolerance in the country.
Prof Kindiki, who attended a memorial service for six of the 12 victims of last week's Elburgon accident, warned individuals that he said use violence to settle political scores of unspecified consequences.
"Our country must exercise democratic tolerance. As the deputy president of this country, l cannot allow violence and politics of division. Violence, divisive politics, and insults have no place in our society," stated Prof Kindiki, who spoke at Arimi Comprehensive School in Elburgon, Nakuru County, the venue of the event.
"Let us embrace political tolerance to boost the country's growth and safeguard future generations. Let us allow those forming parties to do so, but l also warn them to stop divisive rhetoric and politics of causing divisions.
We owe it to the current and future generations, a country built on peaceful co-existence and respect for one another even when we disagree on issues of policy," he added.
The second-in-command termed insults, violence, and divisive politics as a retrogressive warning that such acts threaten to sabotage the country's democratic progress.
Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki bows in honour of Arimi clash victims when he arrived at Arimi Comprehensive School in Elburgon, Nakuru County during the burial service on May 15, 2025.
Photo credit: John Njoroge|Nation
Prof Kindiki spoke a few hours after suspected goons attempted to disrupt Rigathi Gachagua's event in Lavington, Nairobi.
On Thursday morning, chaos erupted moments after the former Deputy President launched his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Suspected goons tried to gain entry into the venue of the launch at Lavington, Nairobi, and interfere with the event, as Gachagua, alongside other DCP officials, was leaving the venue.
Gachagua's security fires in the air after goons invade launch of his new DCP Party
However, police intervened to calm the situation.
Security officers at the event shot in the air, dispersing the crowd that had attended the event, and the goons who wanted to make their way to the venue.
After several months of waiting, Gachagua finally launched the DCP party, which he, alongside his allies, will use to take on President William Ruto in 2027.
DCP's party symbols include a neon green and white emblem with an engraving of 'Skiza Wakenya' and a logo depicting fingers holding on to an ear.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, who also spoke at the memorial service, cautioned residents of Nakuru against allowing themselves to be divided by politicians.
She termed Mr Gachagua's new party as a vehicle for those seeking to divide Kenyans based on tribes and regions.
"As you know, Nakuru is a cosmopolitan county. I urge the people of Nakuru to remain united, and not allow the politicians with a selfish agenda to sow seeds of division in this region," said Kihika.
Meanwhile, emotions ran high during a joint memorial service for the six victims of last week's Elburgon accident.
The May 8, tragic road crash, at Arimi blackspot, on the Njoro-Elburgon road, killed twelve people, including a Form Three student at Elburgon DEB Secondary School.
The May 8 road crash at Arimi blackspot on the Njoro-Elburgon road killed 12 people, including a Form Three student at Elburgon DEB Secondary School.
Eight among those who perished were from the same village, Arimi in Elburgon.
National and county leaders who attended the Thursday memorial service condoled with the families of the victims and prayed that God comforts them.
"I was devastated when l learnt of the accident. I know the deceased have left huge gaps in their families, but we pray that God comforts and heals their kin. May their souls rest in eternal peace," said Molo Member of Parliament Kuria Kimani.
Hundreds of friends and relatives of the deceased also gathered at the venue to give their loved ones a befitting send-off.
Overwhelmed men, women, and children sobbed uncontrollably during the emotional send-off, as their proof proved too much pain to bear shortly after the clergy finished preaching.
After the joint mass, one of the victims was laid to rest, whereas others will be laid to rest on Friday and Saturday.
