‘Our prayer today is no single death of peaceful demonstrators, police’ – Kivutha Kibwana
By Ascah Mwango, July 16, 2024Former Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana has called for the safety of peaceful demonstrators and police officers ahead of the much-anticipated anti-government protests.
In a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Kibwana emphasized the need for peaceful demonstration and the protection of all individuals involved.
He also highlights the importance of avoiding politically motivated disruptions and looting, which could escalate the situation further.
Kibwana urged leaders to address the concerns of Gen Zs, whose demands for change and better governance have been a driving force behind the protests.
“Our prayer this Tuesday is: no single death of peaceful demonstrators & also police(wo)men. No injuries. No politically instigated alternative demonstrators & looting. Cessation of inflammatory propaganda. Leaders to commit to Gen Z’s core demand,” Kibwana stated.
Kibwana on Gen Z movement
On Monday, July 15, 2024, Kibwana advised the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition to stay away from the Gen Z movement.
In a statement shared on his official X account, Kibwana questioned the involvement of Raila Odinga-led Azimio in a revolution initiated by the younger generation.
He expressed that it was inappropriate for Azimio’s political leaders to think they could address the issues raised by Gen Z by engaging in dialogue with President William Ruto’s government.
“Why does AZIMIO believe it will solve the problems raised by Gen Zs by engaging the Government while the aggrieved party is Gen Z and the rest of Kenyans?” Kibwana asked.
Kibwana emphasized the importance of Azimio distancing itself from the Gen Z movement, noting that the political class had previously thwarted the efforts of the Mau Mau in the 1950s and the National Convention Executive Council (NCEC) in the 1990s.
He asserted that by keeping the political class away from the Gen Z movement, the country could achieve the peaceful change that is widely desired.
“The Political Class aborted MAU MAU of the 50s & the NCEC of the 1990s. The Gen Z Movement is our only hope for PEACEFUL CHANGE,” Kibwana stated.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga faced backlash from Gen Zs on social media for advocating for national dialogue under the National Multi-Sectoral Forum, which the Gen Zs have declined to join.
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