What we need is constructive criticism, not violent protests

Nakuru West residents demonstrate over the kiling of an anti-government protestor on July 19, 2023. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The demonstrations by the Opposition have resulted in deaths and destruction of property. The Opposition wants the high cost of living lowered as well as review of the Finance Act 2023 among other grievances.

It's unfortunate that the demonstrations have turned violent contrary to assurances of peaceful protests by the Opposition leaders.

In almost all the demonstrations held so far, lives have been lost and property looted or damaged. These acts of hooliganism cannot go unchallenged.

The Kenya Kwanza administration is hardly one year in power and has begun implementing some of its promises. The socio-economic challenges facing the country are not unique. The previous regimes had faced challenges similar to the ones the current government is facing.

The skyrocketing cost of essential commodities is a global issue that has been caused by a decline in supply of commodities.

We have witnessed protests in other parts of the world too, but most of them, unlike in Kenya, are devoid of violence.

The Opposition leaders clearly understand the factors that have contributed to the high cost of maize flour and the measures the current regime has put in place to tackle the problem.

Apart from short-term measures, the government has distributed sufficient quantities of subsidised fertiliser to promote production of more food and lower the cost of basic commodities. In fact, it is a matter of months before the country realises a bumper maize harvest that will bring the cost of unga down.

Finance Act

Instead of the Opposition leaders taking to the streets to demand the immediate lowering of the cost unga, among other commodities, they should offer constructive criticism and advice on how to tackle the high cost of living. Protests that culminate in civil disobedience cannot offer solutions.

The same applies to the Finance Act 2023 that the Opposition claims is punitive to Kenyans. The Act went through the prerequisite stages and Kenyans expressed their views.

But the Opposition has capitalised on the Act to call for protests and distract the government from implementing its policies. Once again, constructive criticism is acceptable in any democratic leadership.

The Opposition needs to pinpoint the precise shortcomings of the Finance Act and give workable solutions instead of issuing blanket condemnation.

Surprisingly, Opposition leaders have not given possible solutions to the challenges facing Kenyans, apart from just saying, 'lower the cost of living, the Finance Act is bad for the country' among other concerns. The leaders should give sober advice that will help the government revive her ailing economy.

Other stakeholders, including the clergy, have given their proposals on how to address issues facing the country and it's unfair for the Opposition to maintain that protests are their sole approach to address their concerns.

-Mr Kaino works for the Presidential Communication Service. [email protected]