DP Rigathi Gachagua emphasized his commitment to protecting and respecting the culture of the Agikuyu people, highlighting the importance of preserving their traditions and heritage.

Speaking on Saturday night at Honi Resort, Kieni, Nyeri County during the fifth edition of Ngogoyo Ya Rware music extravaganza, the second-in-command asked artists and musicians to promote the preservation of good cultural practices and traditions through art, adding that the government is committed to spur the growth of the creative economy.

“It is important to own and nurture our culture and traditions and protect our history. They are our heritage. It is important to protect and safe guard our values and customs. We should love each other as a community no matter where we are,” said the Deputy President.

Gachagua challenged the community elders and parents to deliberately teach the young people about their past and to guide and mentor them, especially the boy child so that the community succeed and adds value to the country at all times.

Stating that Kenya is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity, the Deputy President championed for protection of the country’s rich and diverse traditions.

“Understanding our history; both before and after independence; teaches us the danger of internal divisions and the power of internal unity. Like it was the case during anti-colonial war, we still have betrayers,” he stated.

The DP also weighed in on the ongoing fight against illicit alcohol in the region and assured that the government distinguishes between legal and illicit alcohol and is setting up a series of interventions that will be announced in coming days, that will see the complete eradication of poisonous alcoholic drinks in Mt Kenya, once and for all.

”The government distinguishes between legal and illicit alcohol. We have a series of interventions that will see complete eradication of the poisonous alcoholic drinks once and for all. We have a duty to protect our youth from destruction by illicit and illegal brews. Recently, we lost 23 people in Kirinyaga to poisonous alcoholic drinks,” said the Deputy President.