Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba at a past event. She has cautioned against militarizing the police against youths but engage in sober dialogue with them. Photo: Gathoni Wamuchomba X.
Guthunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has called on Kenya Kwanza government to engage youths in talks nut 0n a considerate and humble grounds.
In her X post on Saturday afternoon, Wamuchumbo stated that the calls for talks was not a sign of weakness but a strategy by the wise, but leaders must humble and avoid arrogance that has been depicted recently among them in their remarks.
She added that the youths are current the majority population in the country, and seeking a counsel with them is not a bad thing, as it will give an understanding of their anger and what are their grievances.
” You can’t arrest 8 million youths. I believe we can hack it when sober and humble. Asking for counsel is not a weakness it’s a strategy of the wise. Talk down is a style of the weak and insecure. Listen to the youth they are the majority,” she said.
Wamuchomba urged the government to stop using extreme force and brutality against the youths, as witnessed currently during the Gen Z led anti-government protests that saw over 115 youths killed since the begin of protests in June 2024, anti-finance bill protests.
She further urged the use of legal procedures including arrests and presentation before the legal courts for protesters and cautioned against militarization, as it will further escalate the situation as echoed by ODM party leader Raila Odinga in his statement on Friday.
“The problem of Genzees and Goonzees is NOT legal , it’s politically inclined to poor leadership and governance. Applying legal tactics, arrests, courts and militarization is flawed and diversionary,” Wamuchomba said.
President William Ruto had given a shoot on the leg directive to police during protests to immobilize violent protesters, remarks which have received wide criticising from LSK, the public and human rights groups.
Ruto received a backing from Belgut MP Nelson Koech, who directed the police to shoot and kill, as they will be protected by the National Police Service Act.
