Waiguru cautions Mt Kenya region after chaotic Saba Saba demos
Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has broken her silence on the chaos that rocked parts of the Mount Kenya region during the Saba Saba protests, calling for reflection and restraint from the local population.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the governor expressed concern over the widespread destruction of property and businesses witnessed during the demonstrations, particularly in Kirinyaga County and other parts of the region. According to her, the unrest—whether instigated by local youth or fueled by individuals brought in from outside—represents a dangerous pattern of self-inflicted harm.
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“Yesterday’s Sabasaba protests were mainly in Mt Kenya and its diaspora. What we witnessed was the massive destruction of businesses and property, including in my county, Kirinyaga. Whether carried out by locals or led by imported goons, this is a tragedy that calls for serious introspection.” Waiguru said.
Waiguru questioned the logic behind residents turning on their own communities, highlighting the irony of locals participating in or tolerating actions that destroy their economic lifelines. She cautioned that the ongoing chaos not only erodes livelihoods but also undermines the dignity and future of the region itself.
“Why would locals participate in, or silently watch, the destruction of their brothers’ and sisters’ livelihoods? Why are we destroying our own future, our dignity, and our economic backbone? This is, sadly, self-sabotage,’’ she said.
Police brutality
While acknowledging the need to address police excesses such as brutality and abductions, she insisted that the right to protest must remain peaceful. She warned against allowing frustration with the national government to spiral into acts that weaken the region’s social and economic fabric.
“So that we do not mix issues, let me repeat myself: there is no place for police brutality. No place for abductions. But there is also no place for citizen brutality either. What the Constitution provides for is peaceful protest.” She stated.
Youths concerns
Waiguru further pointed out that while the youth have legitimate concerns that must be addressed urgently, resorting to violence and destruction only dilutes their message. She emphasized that Mt Kenya must avoid becoming a cautionary tale for the rest of the country and instead lead by example in engaging constructively with the government.
“There is indeed an urgency for the government to listen to the genuine concerns of the youth. But let us not, as Mt Kenya, cut off our nose to spite our face in an attempt to send a message to the government.
“It distracts from and delegitimizes the very real issues that Gen Z has raised, issues that deserve resolution,” Waiguru concluded.
