Gen Z, goons clash in Kakamega and Kericho

Youths patrol the streets of Kericho before clashing with anti-county government protesters around KCC roundabout on July 16, 2024. [Courtesy] Generation Z protesters in Kakamega and Kericho counties demonstrated bravery and sheer determination as they thwarted attempts by goons to infiltrate their anti-government demonstrations. In Kakamega County, what began as a peaceful protest quickly degenerated into chaos as goons, Gen Z and police clashed in the streets of Kakamega. Goons armed with rungus and wearing masks had assembled along Kenyatta Avenue, but Gen Z confronted and disarmed them. The goons later engaged in a massive looting spree by ransacking down stalls along Sudi Road, Canon Awori Street and in the main market. Nominated MCA Joel Okwako came to the rescue of Gen Z, saying the protesters were peaceful and defended them. Police fired live ammunition and lobbed teargas to disperse the goons and protesters from causing mayhem. The officers protected the county headquarters and Governor Fernandes Barasa's office, which were vacant after staff were told to stay home. At least a dozen protesters were seriously injured while traders were left counting losses. Waving placards and chanting slogans against the government, they demanded. Among the issues they raised, the Gen Z demanded that Governor Fernandes Barasa dismisses his entire cabinet and chief officers, ensure there are enough drugs at the county health facilities as patients are forced to buy drugs to get treatment and also stop rampant corruption in his government. "We are tired of the rampant corruption and mismanagement. Our future is at stake," said 22-year-old Joyce Atieno, a university student who had joined the protest. They also demanded that President William Ruto bring to book police officers who killed peaceful demonstrators and reconstitute a Cabinet that represents the face of Kenya and must be of integrity. School-going children were caught in the melee after police fired teargas at the Mahiakalo Primary School during lunch break. In Kericho County, attempts by 30 hired vigilantes to disperse protesters backfired at the KCC roundabout when they were repulsed by a group of boda boda riders. The riders were addressing the press about their grievances against Governor Erick Mutai's administration. This act enraged the peaceful protesters, who accused the vigilantes of being outsiders hired by local politicians to suppress their right to assemble and protest against bad governance. As the number of critics of Dr Mutai's administration grew, with tens of mechanics working in nearby garages threatening to join the press interview, the vigilantes hastily retreated. The vigilantes fled to Moi Gardens, abandoning their crude weapons as Gen Z protesters gathered around Stanbic Bank roundabout and began to march towards Governor Mutai's offices. The protesters collected the wooden sticks left by the vigilantes and handed them over to the police before proceeding to picket outside the governor's offices, causing a traffic jam along the Kericho-Nakuru highway. Not even the presence of menacing anti-riot police deployed to guard the offices scared Gen Z as they chanted slogans such as "Mutai Must Go!" "The governor shouldn't run away. He should be brave enough and face the residents to express himself on his fleeting development agenda," said Charles Letule, a boda boda rider. Letule expressed concern that despite paying taxes and other levies, service delivery in Kericho is nearly non-existent. "The streets are full of potholes which have damaged our motorbikes and vehicles. ''The governor hasn't delivered on any of his election pledges. For how long will we live on false promises?" he added. Josephat Mutai, a protester, also condemned leaders for hiring goons to patrol the town instead of allowing the residents their democratic space. "We planned to conduct a peaceful protest. We do not take it kindly that the goons have invaded the town," he said. Josephat further criticised Governor Mutai for failing to block the deployment of mechanised tea harvesting machines by multinational tea firms. "Had we met the governor today, one of our questions would have been why his administration failed to stop the deployment of tea harvesting machines, which have led to unemployment in Kericho," he stated. He also called out the governor for allowing corruption to creep into the Kazi Mtaani programme, where Sh39 million was allegedly paid to companies associated with senior county officials and the executive. "We demand that the governor follows the example set by President Ruto by firing his Cabinet and reconstituting it with competent and qualified individuals," said Mutai. Charles Rotich, a community health promoter, criticised the county government for failing to fulfil its commitment to health services. "The county government was supposed to contribute half our stipend, but it has failed us," he said.

Gen Z, goons clash in Kakamega and Kericho

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