Kalenjin elders call for peace, restraint amid rising tension

Members of the Myoot Kipsigis Council of elders during the prayers and cleansing ceremony at Bomet Green stadium. [File, Standard]

The Myoot Kipsigis Council of Elders has urged politicians and youth in the country to exercise restraint and promote peace ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Council Chairman Richard Ngeno warned that the anti-government protests and the accusations and counter-accusations, could lead to unrest and worsen the economic situation in the country.

"Youth violence stemming from socio-economic grievances is disrupting economic activities. We have witnessed significant infrastructural damage, with public facilities burned, and shops, supermarkets, and banks destroyed and looted. This is unfortunate and will deter both domestic and foreign investment," Ngeno said.

He further said that the volatile environment could be exploited by politicians and lead to escalation of violence.

Ngeno warned that the protests could impact the tourism sector, leading to a decline in revenue and job losses that could worsen frustrations among the youth.

"Already, we are lamenting high unemployment and rising prices of goods. Violence is not the solution to these challenges; it will only lead to further economic hardship," he said.

"This country belongs to all of us. Our elders and forefathers invested heavily to bring Kenya to where it is today, but we fear that selfish political interests may lead us to a regrettable situation," Ngeno said.

The Council Chairman urged youth to express their grievances democratically, without resorting to violence.

"President Ruto should not be overly concerned with such minor disturbances. Since taking office, he has accomplished a lot, and these calls for his resignation are neither new nor troubling to him," he said.

Ngeno noted that before President Ruto assumed office, the cost of living had skyrocketed, unemployment was rampant, but now the Kenyan shilling is stable.

He said that despite Kenya Kwanza's efforts to stabilise the economy a section of the population has intensified "Ruto must go" and "one term" chant.

The Council Chairman urged Kenyans to give the President time to deliver key development priorities, including education, infrastructure, rural electrification, and effective devolution management.

Mzee Francis Bartai, chairman of the Myoot Kipsigis Council of Elders in Bomet, criticised proponents of "Ruto must go," chant, accusing them of being the ringleaders of the unrest in the country.

Mzee Bartai wondered why Mt Kenya, which has produced three presidents, is now leading calls for President William Ruto to resign.

He accused a section of Mt Kenya leaders of hypocrisy.

"During the tenures of Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta, we never heard the people of Mt Kenya calling for their resignation despite high cost of living, unemployment, and corruption. Yet, when it comes to President Ruto, you demand his resignation. This seems like an attempt to blackmail us, as if you do not want other communities to lead this country," Bartai asserted.