DP urges Gen Z to call off anti-government demos

DP Rigathi Gachagua and his wife Dorcas during the burial of his eldest sister Leah Wangari Muriuki at Mirera Village in Nanyuki, Laikipia County on July 3, 2024. [DPCS]

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pleaded with anti-government protesters to stop their ongoing demonstrations.

Gachagua’s remarks come amid growing concerns that what began as peaceful protests have been increasingly overtaken by criminal elements seeking to cause chaos and destruction.

“We understand that young people are frustrated and have a right to protest and make their voices heard. However, it’s clear that these demonstrations have been taken over by shady figures with bad intentions, as was witnessed on Tuesday during the demonstrations, which turned chaotic,” he said.

Speaking in Laikipia County during the burial of his eldest sister, Leah Wangari Muriuki, Gachagua said the government is formulating a mechanism to ensure the issues raised by the youths were addressed.

“The President is ready to listen to the youth, and mechanisms are in place to ensure this happens. We only have one country, so I plead with you, my sons and daughters, to stay away from violence, especially at this time when the country is facing difficult times.

“As your father, I call on the Gen Z protesters to stand down before this situation spirals further out of control,” Gachagua said. 

Gachagua added that criminals are hijacking the peaceful protests, causing vandalism, looting, and violence.

“Some of the youth participating in these protests are not concerned citizens, but rather individuals who are taking advantage of the situation for their selfish purposes,” he said.

He asked political leaders to tone down to avoid political tension.

Leaders who had accompanied the DP led by Governors Joshua Irungu (Laikipia)  included Kiarie Badilisha (Nyandarua), Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), Deputy Governors Reuben Kamure (Laikipia), David Kinaniri (Nyeri), MPs Wachira Karani (Laikipia West), Benjamin Gathiru Mejja Donk (Embakasi Central), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Meru senator Kathuri Murungi said MPs and senators have taken a bold step by declining a proposed salary increase by the salary and Remuneration Commission.