- The speaker condemned suspected criminal elements that have taken advantage of the peaceful protests to loot and cause destruction of property consequently affecting people’s livelihoods.
Bungoma County assembly speaker Emmanuel Situma has said the county assembly had temporarily been under attack after some protesters unsuccessfully attempted an invasion.
In a press release on Thursday, the speaker stated that there had been attempts by the protesters to storm the premises to cause mayhem but the police officers successfully dispersed them.
The speaker condemned suspected criminal elements that have taken advantage of the peaceful protests to loot and cause destruction of property consequently affecting people’s livelihoods.
“Unfortunately, during the protests, our assembly has become a target and come under attack following some biased and unsubstantiated allegations that have put our performance in question. As a County Assembly, we welcome any criticism that can better our service delivery,” Situma stated.
He added “For clarity, the County Assembly has programs and avenues that are people friendly in pursuit of quality service delivery in line with our vision of being a “Model County Assembly that is proactive in service delivery.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, the County Assembly has robust programmes that specifically target the youth.
He further emphasized that the assembly has robust programmes that specifically target the youths which includes; the final stages of considering the youth policy and sports Policy adding that the two policies have undergone critical stages in the legislative journey and are at the tail end of the approval.
The speaker also cited the assembly’s partnership with the Ministry of ICT at the National level has set up a Jitume Digital Skills laboratory within its Library affirming that more than 100 youth from across the County and neighbouring Higher learning Institutions have undergone training from the lab.
“They have been equipped with Digital literacy skills for online jobs and markets. More youths are targeted for training in the subsequent programs,” Situma added.
In addition, Situma urged the protesters to picket peacefully without causing destruction.