Kakamega leaders divided over anti-government protests

Youths patrol the streets of Kericho before clashing with anti-county government protesters around KCC roundabout on July 16, 2024. [Courtesy]

Local leaders are divided over anti-government protests by Generation Z.

A section of the leaders want the protests to come to an end to pave the way for dialogue but others have maintained that the Gen Z are exercising their constitutional right to picket.

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula said he supports the protests since picketing is allowed under the Constitution and opposed dialogue between the government, Gen-Z and the opposition.

Savula argued that the government does not need to stop the youth from exercising their democratic right for it to address their grievances.

"There is no need for dialogue, the Gen Z have the right to demonstrate and the government should implement their demands because what our youths are demanding is action and not dialogue and the only language that the government and Parliament seem to understand is protests," he said.

The deputy governor said for dialogue to take place, Prof Kithure Kindiki ought to decline the nomination as Interior Cabinet Secretary and face prosecution for abductions and killings of Gen Z protesters.

"If there should be dialogue let Kindiki face charges for the killings of youths and abductions and these protests will go on if the President continues recycling leaders in his Cabinet when Gen-Zs are saying very clearly don't recycle leaders, end corruption and stop over expenditure," said Savula.

A section of church leaders led by Bishop Ken Barasa of the House of Grace declared support for Gen Z protests saying that the government must listen to the people.

Bishop Barasa called for inclusive dialogue that is people centred.

"I am supporting Gen Z to continue with their push of ensuring there's good governance, zero corruption, and a stable economy, if there must be a dialogue then let it be people-centered. The government should be sincere and genuine and it should stop abducting and killing youths while on the other hand calling for dialogue," he said.

However, Kakamega Woman Rep Elsie Muhanda (ODM) and Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana (ANC) said youths should give President Ruto time to implement their demands.

The leaders said protests are distracting the government from delivering to the people.

Muhanda and Ikana claimed that what was supposed to be peaceful demonstrations had been hijacked by the political class pursuing selfish interests.

"Gen Z must be patient now that they have raised their demands and let the President work on the issues," said the Woman Rep.

"Gen Z have spoken loudly and clearly, their demands are very genuine and we have heard them, I urge them to stop the demonstration because it has been infiltrated by criminal elements," she added.

Mr Ikana urged Kenyans to embrace and uphold peace. "We need peace and it is the people of Kenya who can maintain peace in their own country, we need to come together and denounce violence and chaos."

Mayoni ward representative Fredrick Watitwa (UDA) asked youths to stop protests which have now taken an ugly turn, disrupting businesses and claiming lives.

"It is high time my fellow youths stop demonstrations, the President has heard your grievances and it is time we allow him to implement some of the issues being raised," said Watitwa.