Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has strongly condemned the violence and destruction witnessed during the Saba Saba protests across parts of the Mt Kenya region, warning that the unrest could deal a severe blow to the region’s social, economic, and political future.
In a statement issued following reports of vandalism and looting in several towns, including those in her own county, Waiguru described the scenes as “tragic,” calling on residents to reflect deeply on the long-term consequences of such actions.
“Whether carried out by locals or influenced by external actors, this is a tragedy that calls for serious introspection,” she said. “Why are we destroying our future, our dignity, and our economic backbone? This is, sadly, self-sabotage.”
Waiguru emphasized that while grievances raised by citizens especially Generation Z are valid, violence and destruction risk undermining the legitimacy of their cause. She reminded Kenyans that the Constitution protects peaceful protests, but not acts of lawlessness.
“There is no place for police brutality. No place for abductions. But there is also no place for citizen violence either,” she noted.
The governor urged the youth to remain constructive in their quest for accountability, urging the government to listen attentively to the concerns raised by young people. However, she cautioned against a path that may damage the region’s economic foundation and political reputation.
“There is a need for the government to listen to the genuine issues raised by the youth. But let us not, as Mt Kenya, harm our future in an attempt to send a message,” she warned.
Waiguru’s remarks come at a time when the Mt Kenya region has seen growing involvement in national protests driven by economic dissatisfaction and a demand for better governance. She stressed that if the destruction continues, Mt Kenya stands to lose the most.
“If this destruction continues, we will be the biggest losers socially, economically, and politically. We must not allow ourselves to be viewed as a region that undermines its own progress,” she concluded.
