Deputy President William Ruto addressing leaders in Mombasa.[Photo/KBC]
Deputy President William Ruto has asked leaders from the pastoral communities to work together in addressing challenges that hinder the development of their regions.
Mr Ruto said problems such as insecurity; female circumcision, school dropouts and early marriages could only be addressed if leaders worked together irrespective of their political affiliations.
Speaking during the closure of a two-day Pastoralists Parliamentary Group (PPG) meeting held at the Nyali Sun Africa Beach Hotel, Mombasa, on Sunday, the Deputy President said some cultural practices were portraying pastoralists negatively.
“People are viewing pastoralists as people who have denied their children the opportunity to go to school, people who are riddled by poverty or conflicts. We need to change this perception,” said Mr Ruto.
He urged MPs, MCAs and opinion leaders from the pastoral communities to dedicate their time in addressing such issues with a view of catching up with Kenyans in other parts of the country.
“What is clear is that all those children who are not in school are those from the pastoral areas. We must not deny our children the chance to go to school. We must be forthright about such issues,” said Mr Ruto.