Governors to feel heat of demos as Gen Zs demand good governance

Mombasa residents participate in anti-government protests. [Robert Menza, Standard] Gen Z anti-government protesters are set to move to the counties to demand accountability for taxpayers' money. From the Coast to western Kenya, the protesters will occupy several county headquarters to push for good governance. According to social media posts and posters seen by The Standard on Monday, Gen Zs have given indications to occupy Kwale, Kilifi, and Mombasa county headquarters in the Coast region. In Rift Valley, they will 'pay visits' to governor offices in Nakuru, Kericho, Baringo, Bomet, Narok and Nyandarua counties today. In Nyanza, they will be Governor James Orengo (Siaya) and Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira)'s guests. For instance, in Mombasa, the group has given notice that they will hold an anti-government protest. Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde said they are aware of threats by the protesters but vowed to secure key government installations, including the local governor's office. "We are aware of the threat from Gen Zs. We will secure key installations like government offices," said Orinde. Kwale County Police Commander Stephen Ng'etich said he was out of the station. A poster seen by The Standard indicated that they will occupy Kwale County headquarters to demand that Governor Fatuma Achani address alleged corruption, secret bank accounts, impunity, and service justice to those injured by goons over the Kombani market in 2021. They are also demanding that Achani's administration settle pending bills. The Kombani Wholesale Market, built with funding from the European Union, has not been opened since 2021 following a dispute between the county and the contractor, Ms End to End Limited overpayment. The matter is pending in court. But Kilifi North OCPD Kenneth Maina said police have not yet received a notification for the protest. "There is no notification from Gen Za for the protest," he said. Gen-Z youths in Nyamira and Siaya Counties will have a date with their respective governors. In Siaya, Gen Zs have issued Governor Orengo a ten-point demand notice ahead of today's (Tuesday) protests. Top of the list is a demand for Governor Orengo to publish the list of all employees recruited in the financial year 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 as legally required. The group has also petitioned Orengo's administration to disclose the contract details for Siaya Ultramodern Stadium for the construction works and consultancy services. They want the governor to provide land ownership details, including the lease agreements for the Yala Swamp and plans for revitalization. The Gen Zs, who have also demanded the rejection of the county's draft Finance Bill for the 2023/2024 Financial Year, said the county government should also publish the list of all tenders awarded in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 financial years, as legally required. In Migori County, Suna East Sub-County Police Commander Ben Kemboi, who is in acting capacity for Migori County Commander Francis Nguli said the GenZ had not issued a notice for their protests. "So far we have not gotten any notice for protests by Gen Zs in this county," Kemboi said. Migori County Secretary Oscar Olima said they had received a notice from the Gen Z on Tuesday's planned protests. According to Olima, the group notified them that they would do their protests from Number Junction to Posta area and would not occupy any office. In Kericho County, the young people planning the protest took to social media on Monday to voice their concerns with key leaders from the region. From the discussions, they appear to have issues with Governor Erick Mutai, Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Members of County Assembly (MCAs). Under the hashtag #OccupyKericho, they spoke of their growing frustrations over unfulfilled promises and alleged corruption. They plan to protest at the county headquarters over alleged corruption and unfulfilled electorate promises, among other issues. The organisers stated that the youth would also demand the resignation of Governor Mutai, citing incompetence and corruption. In Kajiado County, the protesters are planning to 'greet' Governor Joseph Ole Lenku over alleged lack of accountability, corruption and stalled projects during his seven years in office. In Baringo County, Victor Kangogo, a youth, said they will occupy Governor Benjamin Cheboi's office in Kabarnet town. They accuse the Cheboi administration of alleged misappropriation of funds, unemployment, non-payment of contractors, and corrupt county public service board were some of the grievances to be addressed, calling for accountability in each department. They, however, pledged to maintain peace during the protest. In Nyeri County, Police Commander Charles Chacha said they have been notified of a peaceful protest by the youth. "We have a notice for a peaceful protest. They have not indicated the time but will converge at Whispers Park," Chacha said. He, however, said officers were prepared to tackle any eventuality that may arise due to the protest, saying the protests are always unpredictable. "We cannot promise the business people anything. The protests are always unpredictable," he told The Standard yesterday. In Turkana County, the protestors plan a complete shutdown in the county as they seek to hold their leaders accountable. They accuse the county leadership of rampant corruption and abuse of office by the local leadership. They wrote a letter to the county leadership, dated July 14, in which they raised their concerns over a raft of issues touching on leadership and governance. They lamented illegal recruitment, lack of transparency in the appointments of staff, and blatant disregard for the law. They called for cooperation from the security agencies in the region as they exercised their constitutional rights to picket and demonstrate against the government. However, Governor Jeremiah Lomorukal welcomed the protest by Gen Z but warned against causing chaos, destruction of property, and loss of lives. In Nakuru County, the young people are prepared to occupy Governor Susan Kihika's office along Moi Road. They accuse her administration of alleged poor leadership and corruption. In posters and texts circulated on social media, the Gen Zs want Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and her administration to account for Sh40 billion in the last two financial years since she took office. Another issue includes the closure of the War Memorial and Mediheal Hospitals. The post stated that youths should occupy the county offices until War Memorial Hospital is opened for residents to get medical services. "We should occupy Nakuru County Headquarters, and our first agenda should be the opening of War Memorial Hospital and return to its rightful owner," read the social media posts. Some of the issues raised include alleged ghost workers in the county and double payments of salaries. "Is Nakuru County Human Resource being paid two salaries?" read a post.Another post urged Kihika to make public the entire employees of the county who are on the payroll. "For transparency and accountability, those two critical questions should be answered appropriately," read the post. The protest placards and posters come as Kihika and other leaders campaigned against chaos in protests. Kihika spoke as President William Ruto toured Nakuru to inspect Bus Park and market projects, urged Nakuru people to maintain peace, and allowed her government to deliver its mandate to Nakuru residents. By Purity Mwangi, Lucas Ngasike, Patrick Beja, Willis Oketch, Marion Kithi, Isiag Gwengi, Stanley Ongwae, Anne Atieno, Yvonne Chepkwony, Nikko Tanui and Daniel Chege.

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