Ramogi Welfare Mombasa has urged the youth to keep off the planned demonstration in commemoration of the infamous gen “Z” protest on Thursday, citing safety concerns and the potential economic toll on local livelihoods.
The decision was announced during a press briefing convened by leaders of the association, who urged its members, particularly the youth, to stay away from the planned demonstrations.
Ramogi Welfare Mombasa Chairman Ismail Ochola said they had unanimously rejected the protests, arguing that past demonstrations had achieved little beyond loss of life.
“We have flatly rejected these protests as members of the Luo community living in Mombasa, and we are standing together as one because demonstrations do not achieve anything helpful,” Ochola said, adding that previous protests had repeatedly resulted in the deaths of young people who never returned home.
The association’s leadership voiced support for President William Ruto’s administration, citing recent high-profile state appointments held by the community members as evidence of progress that protests could undermine.
“Why should we take to the streets to disturb the country’s prevailing peace? Those who want to protest can do so, but our children will stay home,” he said.
The officials said previous demonstrations had left families with unfulfilled promises and emotional scars, with no compensation for those who lost loved ones or property.
They added that protests often degenerated into violence, exploited by criminal opportunists who destroy businesses, leaving the youth to face legal and physical consequences.
“I am pleading with our youth and Gen Z to stay away from these demonstrations because they have previously claimed far too many young lives,” said a resident, Florence Otieno, urging for patience as national leaders toured counties to address regional challenges.
The leadership further accused the elite politicians and some renowned legal figures of using ordinary citizens as shields during protests to advance personal interests.
The association’s Organizing Secretary Leah Alasa said many youths had graduated but remained jobless, adding that further street action would only cause more harm.
“We must ask ourselves, when will the families of those who lost their lives or properties in previous protests ever be compensated? We completely reject this cycle,” Alasa said.
Assistant Organising Secretary Maurice Ogutu Keno cautioned residents against manipulation by what he termed ‘legal elites’, who profit from chaos through costly lawsuits while doing little to improve the lives of ordinary youth.
“The prominent individuals calling for these street actions are highly educated lawyers who understand the legal mechanisms perfectly. We urge everyone to remain at home, protect their businesses, and maintain peace,” Keno said.
