Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari, has issued condemned the destruction of the NG-CDF office in Kirinyaga Central by protesters on Monday.
Addressing the media and residents, the MP decried the incident as not only unfortunate but also a well-calculated political move aimed at sabotaging service delivery and derailing critical youth empowerment programmes such as the Ajira Digital Program.
While acknowledging that the Constitution of Kenya grants every citizen the right to protest, Mr Gitari stressed that the events witnessed on that day went far beyond peaceful demonstrations.
“We must differentiate between peaceful protest and criminal activity.What we saw was not a protest it was destruction, theft, and a direct attack on the people of Kirinyaga Central,” he said.
According to the MP, the NG-CDF office, which serves thousands of residents, was set on fire and vandalised, with essential equipment including computers, chairs, and documents stolen and destroyed.
These items were not for private use but meant to serve the community, especially vulnerable groups like students and unemployed youth.
Mr Gitari lamented the loss suffered by youth who have been benefiting from the Ajira Digital Program, a national initiative housed within the NG-CDF office.
Over the past year, the program had supported more than 1,000 young people in Kirinyaga Central by providing free internet access, computers, and workspaces to facilitate online work and digital skills development.
“Many of our young people had found hope in the Ajira Program. They were earning a living, building careers online, and contributing to their families and the economy. Now, all that is on hold,” said the MP.
He explained that the destruction of the office has forced the suspension of the Ajira Program, pending renovation of the facilities and replacement of the stolen equipment.
The MP warned that this setback will force youths to depend on commercial cyber cafes, which may be unaffordable for many.
“What was freely available is now out of reach. That’s the painful cost of this violence. We have turned tools of empowerment into ashes,” he said.
The MP estimated that the destruction caused by the attack amounts to over Sh 28 million, a financial blow that will significantly affect ongoing and upcoming development projects in the constituency.
“These were funds and resources that would have gone into roads, bursaries, education support, and other critical infrastructure. Now, we must divert attention and money toward rebuilding what has been destroyed,” he said.
He further warned that such acts of violence have a ripple effect, not just locally but across the region, especially in terms of investor confidence.
“When government offices are burned and looted, it sends a negative signal to potential investors. No serious business wants to invest in an unstable environment. In the end, it is our own youth who suffer from lack of job opportunities,” he stated.
However, Gitari reassured parents and students that bursary disbursement will continue as planned.
He promised to communicate a temporary alternative venue where the public can access NG-CDF services while renovations take place.
“Education support for our children will not stop. We are committed to ensuring no child misses school because of this unfortunate incident,” he said.
The MP vowed that those responsible for the destruction and theft will face justice revealing that security agencies have launched thorough investigations and already have leads from available information.
“We cannot allow a few individuals to destroy what belongs to the entire community. This was theft in the name of protest, and the law must take its course,” he stated.
He urged members of the public to support law enforcement agencies by providing information that could help trace the culprits and recover the stolen property.
“Let us all be custodians of public property. These resources belong to all of us. We must protect them, not destroy them,” he added
Meanwhile Gitari has called on the youth, including the protesting Generation Z, to embrace peaceful and constructive engagement.
He emphasised the importance of dialogue and understanding in achieving meaningful change.
“I remain open to engaging the youth of Kirinyaga Central. Let’s talk, let’s reason together. I believe in your energy and your voice, but let’s channel it towards building, not destroying,” said Gitari.
He emphasised that violence not only weakens development but also threatens the social and economic fabric of the community.
“Today it’s the NG- CDF office, tomorrow it might be a hospital, a school, or a library. When we burn what is ours, we rob ourselves of opportunities and growth. Let’s protect what builds us, reject violence, and embrace dialogue,” he argued.
By David Wandeto
