Saba Saba protests hijacked? Nairobi MCAs disown anti-government demos
In a joint statement on Sunday, following a meeting in Nairobi, the MCAs said they could no longer stay quiet as violence, tribal incitement and reckless politics continue to divide communities and undermine development progress.
Nairobi Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have publicly owned the ongoing anti-government protests ahead of the Saba Saba demos, noting that they have devolved into violence, tribal incitement and destruction of property.
In a joint statement on Sunday, following a meeting in Nairobi, the MCAs said they could no longer stay quiet as violence, tribal incitement and reckless politics continue to divide communities and undermine development progress.
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"While we acknowledge and more often than not have been at the forefront of both campaigns and protests, it is clear to all Kenyans that these demonstrations have lost their way," said the MCAs.
"What started as a clear expression of governance challenges has been hijacked by criminals and those with hidden political agendas."
Their comments come just a day before the anticipated Saba Saba demonstrations, which have drawn national attention amid rising public frustration over poor governance, economic hardship and police abuses.
According to the MCAs, the continued unrest will only deepen suffering at the community level.
"And when the dust settles, it is us; the local leaders, left to pick up the pieces. To calm angry residents. To explain why food prices have skyrocketed, why businesses have shut down, why opportunity has vanished," they said.
Branding themselves "Leaders of Progress, Not Protest" the MCAs added that they would publicly begin naming the organisers of the violent protests this week.
"We cannot breed leaders, whether elected or non-elected, whose biggest achievement month on month is fuelling chaos. Today, we choose to speak up and protect our people, their small businesses, their children and their hard-earned property and investments. We refuse to let reckless politics tear our counties apart," they said.
Further, the MCAs emphasized the need to redirect national energy toward service delivery, job creation and peaceful co-existence.
"Violent demonstrations do not build; they destroy the very future we are all trying to create: We say no to tribal politics; yes to inclusion, no to destruction, yes to development," they said.
Additionally, they warned Kenyan youth not to allow themselves to be exploited by political interests at the expense of their own futures.
We remind our young Kenyans: do not be used so that other individuals profit. Do not burn your future. Violence only benefits a few politicians. Peace benefits us all," they said.
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