Murang’a, Kirinyaga residents urged to keep Gen Z protests peaceful

Murang’a and Kirinyaga residents have been urged to maintain peace and observe the law as they participate in the planned Gen Z protests, with county security chiefs insisting that constitutional freedoms must be exercised responsibly.

Speaking separately ahead of the demonstrations, County Commissioners Hassan Bule (Murang’a) and Shufaa Omar (Kirinyaga) said citizens have a constitutional right to picket and express their grievances, but warned against violence, destruction of property and other forms of lawlessness.

Bule said peaceful demonstrations are protected under the Constitution and should not be used as an avenue for criminal activities that could reverse development gains achieved in the counties.

“Let us exercise our constitutional rights responsibly. Let us express our opinions within the framework of the law, the Constitution and other statutes that guide us. Let us protect each other and build our nation,” said Bule.

He noted that the government and taxpayers have invested heavily in public infrastructure and development projects, making it necessary for citizens to safeguard them.

According to Bule, more than Sh500 billion has been invested in Murang’a County through various national government projects under President William Ruto’s administration, with several other projects still ongoing.

He cited the construction of Mumbi and Gakoigo stadiums, each costing about Sh800 million, among flagship projects being implemented through national government funding.

The commissioner noted that previous protests left a trail of destruction in parts of Murang’a and Kirinyaga, with businesses counting losses after incidents of vandalism, looting and damage to property. He said such incidents not only hurt investors and traders but also undermine efforts to improve livelihoods and attract development.

Bule said nearly all major public institutions in the county have benefited from government investment in healthcare, education, sports and infrastructure, contributing to improved service delivery and economic growth.

He revealed that security agencies have held engagements with young people and community leaders ahead of the demonstrations to encourage peaceful conduct and compliance with the law.

“We have held several engagements with youth leaders and agreed that everyone should be an example to others by obeying the rule of law. We expect those participating to conduct themselves responsibly,” he said.

In Kirinyaga, Omar echoed similar sentiments, saying demonstrators would be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights as long as they remain peaceful and do not interfere with the rights of others.

Addressing residents during a public forum, Omar said the government supports lawful demonstrations but would firmly deal with individuals who engage in criminal activities, including destruction of property, blocking roads and disrupting public order.

She urged residents to distinguish between peaceful protests and acts of lawlessness, warning that security agencies were fully prepared to respond to any attempts to breach the law.

“Demonstrations are a constitutional right. If you demonstrate peacefully, that is acceptable and you are allowed to do so. As a County Commissioner, I will not tell you not to demonstrate,” said Omar.

The commissioner said security agencies had adopted a two-pronged approach in handling the planned protests, with peaceful demonstrators assured of protection while those engaging in unlawful acts would face legal consequences.

She emphasised that security officers would act professionally and within the law while carrying out their mandate of protecting citizens and public property.

Omar said the government had mobilised all relevant security agencies to ensure public safety and maintain order throughout the demonstrations.

“If you come in peace, we will also give you peace. But if you come with lawlessness, destruction of property, attempts to burn roads, block vehicles or engage in any form of crime, then you will face the full force of the law,” she said.

The two administrators called on residents to embrace peace and responsibility, saying the success of the demonstrations would be measured by the ability of participants to air their grievances without endangering lives, damaging property or disrupting economic activities.

They further appealed to community leaders, religious leaders and parents to encourage young people to remain peaceful and uphold the rule of law during the protests.