Homa Bay UDA officials have urged residents to remain peaceful as President William Ruto addresses issues raised by protesting youth.
Gen Zs have staged protests in major towns for the past three weeks over bad governance in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
In a bid to reach a solution, the President engaged the youth on X space where he deliberated on the issues they raised.
It is against this backdrop that the officials called on locals to stay calm, saying the head of state was committed to addressing their grievances.
UDA deputy chairperson Rosemary Rumo and youth leader Kevin Ouma said the fact that Ruto spoke to the youth and other Kenyans is an indication that he has the interests of citizens at heart.
“President Ruto agreed to listen to every plight of the youths and Kenyans by engaging them in a conversation. Let’s remain calm as they seek amicable solutions to the issues raised,” Rumo said on Saturday.
She condemned acts of violence that have been witnessed during the demonstrations.
UDA offices were not spared, as the gate was pulled down, the fence destroyed and two desktop computers and chairs stolen.
She asked the public not to hold any more destructive protests and allow the President to provide solutions.
“As Homa Bay UDA leadership we’re committed to continue supporting President Ruto to ensure he delivers for Kenyans. It is the same appeal we’re making to the youths,” she said.
Speaking during the same meeting at the party office in Homa Bay town, Ouma said Gen Zs should not go back to the streets after the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.
The controversial Bill was one of the reasons that drove Kenyans to the streets, to push the government to drop it.
Ruto heeded the calls and decided not to sign the Bill into law.
Ouma said it was the main bone of contention.
“If the bill was the catalyst for protests and it was dropped, why should youths continue to be on the street? It does not make sense.”
Some suspected criminals have taken advantage of the protest to steal from other Kenyans, he said.
This was evident in major towns where criminals pretended to be protestors, only to mugg pedestrians in the streets.
“It is important for the police to take action against criminals who steal from innocent Kenyans during protests. Demos were meant to push for reforms in government and not for stealing from innocent Kenyans,” he added.
UDA chairman Franklin Oluoch accused some elected leaders in Homa Bay of using the anti-government protests to settle political scores.
Politicians are fond of using youth to cause mayhem, he said, adding that further acts of violence will drive away shareholders.
“Homa Bay is among the towns struggling to attract investors to create jobs for youths. Demos and destruction of properties is not a solution to problems facing young adults,” Oluoch said.
