Senator Onyonka to Ruto: Genuine government effort will end youth protests

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has slammed President William Ruto's administration for how it has handled the ongoing anti-government protests, accusing it of failing to address the youths' issues.

He argued that while the youth are ready to end their demonstrations, persistent government failures continue to fuel public dissatisfaction.

He expressed doubts about the legitimacy of the Kenya Kwanza administration, describing it as “destabilised.”

While he lauded Ruto for dissolving his Cabinet on July 11, following protests against his leadership, Onyonka said Ruto's mistake was to reappoint several ministers fueling more public discontent.

“You are bringing back the same people, some of who have dubious characteristics and issues repeating themselves, and present them to the youth? Those kids know every one of us,” Onyonka told Citizen TV’s Daybreak program on Tuesday.

He said the government is not showing any efforts to address the concerns raised.

He further criticised the President over his Sunday comments that he would stop the demos and crush what he termed as “tyranny of anonymous, faceless, formless, sponsored people” plunging Kenya into anarchy.

Onyonka argued that Ruto should have offered a more conciliatory response, instead of making threats.

“All he should have said is ‘I have been listening to you and I am working hard to engage you on the challenges we are facing,” Onyonka said.

Speaking to Bomet residents after a church service, Ruto warned that there will be no more protests, reiterating that they must stop.

According to Ruto, his administration has made every effort to address the youth's concerns, yet their demands persist.

“I have told them, my friends, it must now come to an end, I have given a chance to everybody to say whatever they want, it can't continue like this, the country is more important than any group of people, we must stand together as a nation and protect our nation,” he said.

“Going forward we will protect the nation, we will protect lives, we will protect property, stop the looters, stop the killers, stop mayhem because Kenya is a democracy and we want a stable nation. I want to promise you that it is going to stop. Enough is enough.”

In addition to criticising the administration's handling of protests, Onyonka expressed worries about purported government misdeeds.

He claimed that the administration is transferring control of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to foreign interests for 30 years, a move he described as highly questionable.

“We are signing off our airport to be run by a private company for 30 years and after the contract expires, they will keep the equity of our airport at the rate of 18 per cent. Why would anyone sign such an agreement?” posed the senator.

He also flagged a potential procurement scandal at the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), accusing it of bypassing legal procedures for awarding contracts.

“NTSA is trying to get an individual company to provide technology. The idea is fantastic but why can’t we do things within the law; advertise and give the tender to the best bidder?” Onyonka posed.

His remarks come as the ‘Occupy JKIA' demonstrations take shape. Police had fired tear gas at protesters marching from Nairobi's CBD towards JKIA along Uhuru Highway attempting to make their way to the airport.

Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja had warned the public of the legal limits governing protests, emphasising that while Kenyans have the right to protest, they must comply with regulations concerning access to restricted areas including the airport.