Gen-Z protesters
By MKT Reporter
The country has lost revenue worth billions of shillings in in the past few weeks following protests by Gen-Z.
Further, dozens of Kenyans, mostly youngsters have lost their lives in various parts of the country.
At the same time, property worth tens of millions have been looted, rendering a section of citizens to incur losses running into billions of shillings.
Yesterday, the government through its Spokesman Dr Isaac Maigua Mwaura called for a ceasefire, telling Kenyans that the administration has heard them and was working on addressing various issues raised by the protestors.
Below is the full statement as read out by Dr Mwaura during a press briefing in Nairobi.
- The Government regrets the recurrence of violence that has rocked the country in the past month since the first protests on 18th June 2024 in an effort by Kenyans to voice their various issues and concerns. The Government wishes to convey its condolences to the families of Kenyans who lost their lives and also express sympathy to those who lost their businesses and properties due to hooliganism that has been witnessed during the protests. The Government reaffirms its support to those who have been injured as they continue to recuperate either at home or in various hospitals. We wish them quick recovery.
- The Government stands in solidarity with business people who have suffered huge losses as their enterprises remain closed. We empathize with them as they strive to recoup their lost incomes and livelihood.
- Overall, the country has lost approximately Ksh. 6 Billion according to The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) as a result of the demonstrations. If this continues, it will have a negative impact on the economy within the current financial year. This will also lead to loss of job opportunities for our esteemed youth.
- As a government, we therefore, make a passionate appeal to young Kenyans to reconsider their plans to continue with the demonstrations, which have since been infiltrated by goons, whose aim is to destabilize the peace and tranquility that we have long enjoyed in our country. I hereby reaffirm that the President and the Government at large have heard you loud and clear, and that we are ready to act on your concerns as demonstrated by the recent Presidential actions including but not limited to:
Rejection by The President to sign the Finance Bill into law.
The reduction of the budget of the two Offices of the First Lady and the Spouse to the Deputy President. This action portrays the Government’s commitment to streamlining and ensuring transparency and accountability, fiscal discipline and responsibility in public financial management.
The President’s direct engagement with Kenyans on platforms such as X-Space, serves to demonstrate his commitment to open dialogue in real time, according to the changing trends in public communication and engagement.
The overhaul of the Cabinet signifies a fresh start, aimed at bettering good governance and accountability.
Reforming the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is another significant step by our President, towards ensuring fair and credible elections in the future.
In addressing concerns about the size of Government, the President heeded the call to suspend the appointment of the 50 Chief Administrative Secretaries (CASs).
He also banned public contributions (fundraisers) popularly known as harambees by Government officials, all with the aim of curbing misuse of tax payers’ resources towards the promotion of integrity and accountability within the public service.
The President also let go off the Inspector General of Police and other Senior Officers in the service. This is part of the reforms needed within our security organs, in order to strengthen their capacity to attain effective and efficient service delivery to all Kenyans.
All of the measures above signify a paradigm shift in public policy, towards a more people centred and responsive Government.
- On behalf of all Government Officials and Public Servants, I take this opportunity to apologies unreservedly for any display of arrogance, opulence and misconduct to the people of Kenya. Going forward, all Public Officials, are expected to carry themselves with honour, dignity, decorum and humility; espousing servant leadership, as enshrined in the National Values and Principals of Governance, and Values and Principals of Public Service in Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution of Kenya.
- The Government urges all Kenyans to have a moment of soul searching and introspection starting at the family level. Parents are encouraged to have dialogue with their children, with a view to ensuring lasting peace and harmony in the country. Kenya belongs to all of us and if the country goes down, we shall all be affected.
- It is crucial that we recognize the progress made so far in addressing the concerns raised and thereby give room to the changes already made to take effect, for the sake of our country’s economic growth and progress.
- The Government wishes to remind Kenyans that, as the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, His Excellency President William Ruto has a constitutional mandate and responsibility to protect and secure the country from any form anarchy and instability.
- On behalf of the Government, I therefore make a passionate appeal to all Kenyans to embrace the spirit of patriotism and nationhood, to stay engaged, focused and committed to building a peaceful and prosperous Nation and country for us all.
- Let us reject self-seekers, including foreigners, who do not wish our country well. As Kenyans, let us get back to our daily livelihoods and hustles; and build our nation by embracing Peace, Love, and Harmony, towards a more cohesive, united society, and prosperous country.
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