Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has urged Gen Z protesters to give dialogue a chance, following several days of destructive anti-government demonstrations.
He said goons and looters have infiltrated the protests and are causing mayhem, yet the protesters have genuine issues they want addressed.
Bii said the youth should call off the protests and participate in dialogue as directed by President William Ruto, who withdrew the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, that sparked countrywide protests.
“I want to assure our youth that we have been keen to listen, understand and are working on providing solutions to the issues you have raised," he said.
Bii said the youth have shown commendable sense of unity by coming out "tribeless, partyless and fearless" to express their concerns.
“As your governor and father, I appreciate, understand and respect your democratic right to picket, protest and voice your concerns publicly," he said.
The county boss came out to speak as the protests fizzled out in Eldoret, after local leaders and elders urged the youth to withdraw from the streets and accept dialogue.
Eldoret town was heavily affected last week after the protests turned violent, leading to destruction of county government property and looting of shops.
Some protesters breached the security walls around the county headquarters where a court, the national library and several vehicles were torched.
More than 15 shops, mostly selling mobile phones and electronics, were vandalised and looted during the protests.
Four death and several injuries, including 10 police officers, were reported in the town.
The county operations have remained disrupted for the last one week but Governor Bii said they are working on repairs and other efforts to restore normalcy.
“I urge communities in Eldoret to maintain unity and peace as we work to restore county services to all residents," Bii said.
Chairman of the chamber of commerce in the region, Willy Kenei, has called for calm and resumption of business activities.
“We regret the heavy losses suffered by the business community in Eldoret as a result of the protests and urge that all of us, including the youth, embrace peace as we deal with the issues raised,” he said.
Security has been tightened in the town, with police vehicles patrolling to ensure business operates as usual.
