POLITICS

MCAs back President Ruto, calls on Gen Z to halt ongoing demonstrations

In a recent press conference held in Nairobi, members of County Assemblies (MCAs) from various parts of the country, who support President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza Government, gathered to address the escalating situation regarding the ongoing Gem Z demonstrations.

Chinga MCA Mike Kiruga Thuku expressed deep concern over the recent events in Kenya, noting that the protests, initially aimed at opposing the Finance Bill, have devolved into acts of lawlessness and criminality. According to Thuku, the demonstrations have provided an opportunity for criminals to loot, burn property, and engage in hooliganism.

“Criminals have taken advantage of the demonstrations by young people to loot and burn property as well as engage in other acts of hooliganism,” Thuku stated.

The MCAs highlighted the significant economic impact of these demonstrations, citing loss of lives, injuries, and substantial financial damages. Businesses and individuals have reportedly lost billions of shillings due to property destruction, and the country has lost tens of billions in revenue.

Thuku also pointed out that certain political and civil society elements have exploited the chaos to further an unconstitutional agenda aimed at forcefully changing the government. He emphasized that President Ruto has made efforts to engage with the youth and address their grievances.

MCAs from Kenya Kwanza administration calls on Gen Z to call of demonstrations and accept dialogue

“The President has gone out of his way to engage the youth. He refused to sign the Finance Bill 2024 and sent a memorandum to the National Assembly to withdraw it. The President also dismissed the entire Cabinet and has begun reconstituting it,” Thuku explained.

Despite these efforts, the MCAs stressed that the ongoing lawlessness is affecting innocent Kenyans caught in the clashes between protesters and police. Thuku warned that business owners in Nairobi and other affected areas are beginning to take matters into their own hands, guarding their property and preventing protesters from entering their towns.

Morris Maugu Gitonga, MCA from Muthambi ward present, condemned the prolonged demonstrations, urging for constitutional means to address grievances rather than resorting to chaos and anarchy.

“Grievances have been listened to, the president has withdrawn the Finance Bill. There is no need for demos and anarchy which cause loss of properties and death,” Gitonga stated.

The MCAs underscored the importance of allowing the President to form a new Cabinet to tackle the challenges facing the nation and reiterated Kenya’s status as a high-standing democracy that does not condone unconstitutional changes in government.

The leaders called for an immediate end to the violence and unreasonable demands on the government. They warned that while supporters of the government have thus far refrained from counter-protests, continued escalation could push them to mobilize, worsening the situation.

“We make these observations as leaders in this nation and wish to restate that Kenya belongs to all of us and we all have a duty to observe peace and order in our country. We must not take the peace that prevails in our country for granted,” Thuku said.

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