Lukoye Atwoli: Kenyans patient on economy but angered by resource misuse
By Mustafa Juma, July 24, 2025Prominent psychiatrist and Dean of Aga Khan University Medical College, Prof. Lukoye Atwoli, has weighed in on the ongoing public unrest in Kenya, noting that citizens are not protesting out of impatience with economic reforms but out of frustration with the misuse of public resources.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on the night of Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Prof. Atwoli emphasised that most Kenyans are well aware that economic recovery is a gradual process.
“Most rational humans within the territory of Kenya understand that the economy will not be turned around in a day,” he said.
“I do not know anyone who is on the streets asking for the economy to be turned around in a day.”
Governance and integrity
He dismissed any suggestion that protesters are being unrealistic in their expectations, pointing instead to a deeper anger among the populace over issues of governance and integrity.
“People know it will take time to change things and to improve the economy and the standard of living,” he added.
“The thing that annoys people is the misuse of public resources when we are saying we are giving it time to turn around the economy.”
His comments come amid growing nationwide protests led mostly by young people demanding accountability, transparency, and an end to corruption.
Despite promises by the government to implement reforms, public spending on luxuries, foreign trips, and bloated bureaucracies has triggered widespread backlash.
Curbing protests
A few days ago, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula called for a legislative review to curb violent protests in Kenya, saying the country can no longer afford to watch demonstrations turn into deadly and destructive events.
Speaking on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Kabuchoi, Aldai Constituency, during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme, Wetang’ula said that while Kenyans have the right to protest, that freedom is increasingly being misused.
“Today in Kabuchoi, Aldai Constituency, during a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme, I addressed a matter that continues to weigh heavily on our national conscience: the conduct of public demonstrations in our country,” Wetang’ula said.
He reminded Kenyans that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and petition the government. However, he noted that the right comes with responsibility.
“It is a cherished freedom, one we must protect. But as with all rights, this freedom comes with responsibility. Unfortunately, over the years, we have witnessed this right being grossly abused,” he said.
Wetang’ula pointed out that protests in Kenya often start peacefully but quickly turn violent, leaving behind a trail of destruction and loss of life.
“We have seen lives lost, properties destroyed, police stations burnt down, and many of our young people left with permanent injuries in the name of demonstrations,” he said.