Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi addressing the media in Siaya./FAITH MATETE
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has warned young people against forcing their way into his meetings or surrounding his official vehicle.
Atandi warned the youths, saying such actions are unlawful and could trigger serious security consequences.
The National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee chair said he had become increasingly concerned by incidents in Siaya County where groups of youths allegedly attended meetings they had not been invited to or confronted him after public events.
Speaking in Siaya, Atandi contrasted the situation with a recent church fundraiser in Nandi County, where he said his visit was peaceful and free from disruption.
"I landed by helicopter, walked to the church where the fundraiser was taking place, and left without any youth following me or forcefully demanding money from me," he said.
The MP claimed that in Siaya, groups of youths had been travelling from areas including Ugunja, Ugenya and Gem to attend meetings despite not being invited.
"The meeting I was attending was exclusive. I don't even know who invited them. You cannot come to a meeting where you have not been invited and force your way in. That is illegal, and it will not be allowed," Atandi said.
He maintained that he was willing to engage young people but urged them to use formal channels when seeking an audience with him.
"If you want to meet me, book an appointment. Tell me where you are from and what problems you want addressed, and I will listen to you and help where I can," he said.
Atandi also cautioned youths against surrounding or hanging onto his official government vehicle after events, warning that such actions could be misinterpreted by his security detail.
"Once I am in my government vehicle, I am under the protection of armed security officers. If you come close to the car and officers suspect you may be carrying a weapon, they will respond. I want you to be orderly," he said.
The MP said the government remained committed to empowering young people but stressed that engagements with leaders must be conducted lawfully and in an orderly manner.
Atandi also defended the Kenya Kwanza administration's development record in Siaya and the wider Nyanza region, saying projects in water, healthcare, roads, electrification and agriculture were being implemented.
"We have many development programmes planned for our region, and I want our people to know that we are firmly in government and are using that opportunity to bring development not only to our region but across the country," he said.
He urged residents to continue supporting President William Ruto's administration, saying it was committed to equitable distribution of resources and consistent implementation of development projects.
"I want our people to remain steadfast in government and continue supporting us so that together we can take our region to the next level of development," Atandi said.
