North Rift MPs call for an end to anti-government protests

Hundreds of youth staged anti-government protests along Moi Avenue in Nairobi on July 23, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Three North Rift Members of Parliament have urged youths to end anti-government protests.

Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong, West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor and Kapenguria MP Dr Samuel Moroto, asked President Willaim Ruto to use his constitutional powers to stop the protests.

The leaders lauded President Ruto’s assertion that the demonstrations must stop.

"Those saying Ruto must go should stop. They must stop taking us for a ride with their propaganda," said Lochakapong.

Sigor MP termed the protests unreasonable and disruptive and urged the Head of State to protect citizens' property and to take action against those inciting violence.

Lochakapong questioned the leadership and organisation of the protests, saying; "This idea of Gen Z claiming they are leaderless yet they appear with new demands that are planned should stop.”

Dr Moroto highlighted the negative impact of the protests, including loss of lives and destruction of property.

He praised the 25 counties that have refrained from participating in the demonstrations and encouraged the youth to engage in productive activities, saying that “leadership comes from God."

Moroto expressed confidence that President Ruto will complete his five-year term and be re-elected come 2027 to steer development.

KVDA Director Simon Kalekem appealed to Gen Z to stop the anti-government protests. "Protestors should end their street demonstrations. President Ruto is offering good leadership to the country and has promised to address all concerns raised," he said.

Kalekem further called on the President to reinstate all the sacked Cabinet Secretaries, saying calls for their removal were "driven by ulterior motives."

"Reinstate all the CSs and have them work because they did no mistakes. We have learned that all accusations on the government are just propaganda," he said.

The leaders made the remarks when they visited Masol to inspect development projects.