Narok governor urges youth to shun protests, warns against looting

Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu has urged young people in the county to stay away from demonstrations, saying many misuse such opportunities to steal, often leading to deadly consequences.

“The Constitution allows for peaceful demonstrations, but I have been told that there have never been peaceful protests in Kenya before,” he said.

The governor noted that while protests may start peacefully, they often turn chaotic, with some individuals resorting to looting.

He urged the youth not to provoke police officers, saying, “They are also human beings.”

Ntutu acknowledged the high rate of youth unemployment but stressed that looting is not a solution. “Going to demonstrations to steal is unfair and not the answer to joblessness,” he said.

He expressed relief that no youth in Narok had died as a result of the protests and commended them for exercising restraint.

He also cautioned residents against chanting slogans demanding the resignation of President William Ruto.

“To those shouting that the President must go, you’ll be the first to go home. Ruto is going nowhere. He is a Kenyan like any other,” he said.

Ntutu concluded by calling for peace and unity among Narok residents, urging them to coexist regardless of tribal differences.

On June 25,  demonstrations unfolded as hundreds of Kenyans took to the streets in commemoration of the 2024 youth-led movement that shook the political landscape, demanding change in governance and accountability on matters such as taxation and public finance.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights released a preliminary report documenting extensive human rights violations during the nationwide demonstrations held on June 25.

According to the commission’s update issued on Friday evening, at least 19 people lost their lives, 531 sustained injuries, and 15 individuals were forcibly disappeared during the protests.

The statement also reported 179 arrests, as well as multiple cases of sexual violence, including two cases of individual rape, two gang rapes, and one attempted gang rape.

KNCHR condemned the violations in the strongest terms and called for accountability from all responsible parties.