Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has made a heartfelt plea to Generation Z, urging them to avoid using insults when addressing their grievances to the government.
Speaking during a church function at the Mary Mount Catholic parish in Lukenya on Sunday, January 20, 2025, the governor emphasized that while it is perfectly acceptable for Gen Zs to voice their concerns, there is an overwhelming need for them to maintain decorum while doing so.
The governor’s remarks were in response to the recent disappearance of four youths from her county, who were abducted for criticizing the government.
She disclosed that the four individuals were taken from the Mlolongo area and called on their abductors to release them without delay.
Ndeti condemned the act of abducting and detaining the youth, stressing that if they were guilty of any wrongdoing, they should be presented in court instead of being held unlawfully.
She added that court proceedings could deter Gen Zs from resorting to abrasive criticisms of the government.
“Hapa kwangu mimi kuna watoto wanne wamechukuliwa hapa. Mimi nauliza hao watoto waachiliwe. Na kama wako na makosa, wapelekwe kortini. Ukipeleka kortini, hiyo kitu inamshtua, hatarudia,” she said.
Courage without insults
Governor Ndeti clarified that her intention was not to silence Gen Zs but to encourage them to change their approach when airing grievances. She urged them to remain bold in calling out injustices but to express themselves respectfully.
“Sisi tunawaambia watoto wetu msiogope. Say what you feel is hurting you. Just say it in the right way. Usitukane mtu; usiambie mtu vibaya. Kama tumekosea, mnasema hapa mmetupeleka vibaya, sisi hatutaki,” she advised.
Warning to leaders
The governor also took the opportunity to caution a section of leaders across the country who, she claimed, have been inciting the youth through divisive and harmful statements.
Ndeti reminded these leaders that the youth are a double-edged sword and should be guided positively to shape a better future for themselves and the nation.
“The negative impact of the detrimental remarks by some of our leaders is reverberating negatively among our children. I want to remind my fellow leaders and our young people that social media is a double-edged sword that we can use to build our future or destroy it. Let us use social media responsibly,” she remarked.
Ndeti warned that leaders who exploit Gen Zs for personal gain risk dire consequences, as such actions could ultimately tarnish their leadership and harm the youth.
Promises and progress
While addressing the eager congregants, Governor Ndeti reassured them of her commitment to fulfilling her promises, particularly in infrastructure development.
In videos circulating online, the governor is seen warmly engaging with the crowd, detailing her progress on various projects.
She highlighted her collaboration with the national government to ensure the completion of key initiatives, including the construction of a leather park in Kinanie and the upgrade of Kinanie Level 3 Health Centre to a Level 4 facility.
“Through collaborative efforts with the national government, we shall complete the tarmacking of a number of incomplete roads and the upcoming leather park in Kinanie,” she stated. “My government shall expand Kinanie Level 3 Health Centre to a Level 4 facility that will offer extra services like maternity and X-ray services.”
