A section of Kenya Kwanza leaders from Embu County have appealed to the youth to stop the planned Wednesday demonstrations, saying protests are not the solution to the country’s challenges.
Led by Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Geoffrey Ruku, the leaders emphasised the need for unity and dialogue instead of confrontation in sorting out differences.
Speaking on Sunday, during a church service at Iriamurai Catholic Church in Mbeere South Constituency, Ruku stated that past protests have ended up being chaotic, leading to destruction of property, infrastructure and public amenities.
This, he said, only serves to take the country backward, yet it does nothing to address the grievances raised.
He assured Gen Z that the government is aware of their plight, including unemployment and was working round the clock to address them.
“The protests in the city and other parts of the country are not warranted. We have one government; we have one Kenya and no part or region of this country belongs to the opposition or government but one Kenya,” he said.
The CS also took a swipe at leaders he accused of fuelling ethnic divisions in the country, warning that such schemes would not succeed.
His sentiments were echoed by Senator Alexander Mundigi, who said previous protests had left many Kenyans counting losses after their businesses and properties were looted or vandalised.
He appealed to young people not to fall into the trap of destruction but instead to focus on engaging in productive conversations that would shape their future.
Mundigi affirmed that President William Ruto and his Deputy Prof. Kithure Kindiki, have a well-structured plan in place to address the needs of young people across the country.
“The Kenya Kwanza Government has a clear manifesto which it is systematically implementing. We have already made significant progress,” he said.
He urged the youth not to engage in the upcoming protests because it would only erode the gains the country has consolidated so far.
Their remarks come amid rising tension across the country, with Gen Z-led demonstrations being organised online, demanding political accountability and reforms.
Despite some concessions by the government, organisers insist that more needs to be done, especially on youth unemployment, taxation, and governance.
By Samuel Waititu
