Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has commented on the upcoming Gen Z protests, dubbed #OccupyJKIA, scheduled for Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
In a TV interview, Onyonka stated that the government is responsible for the ongoing demonstrations, which will see youth marching towards Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, due to emerging scandals.
He pointed out that the current scandals, combined with the youth’s dissatisfaction with the ruling regime, are fueling more protests against the government. Onyonka also questioned why President William Ruto’s administration seems to ignore the law and constitution when developing policies, potentially exacerbating the discontent among the youth.
“Some of these young men when we talk to them they say; Yes we want to get out of the streets, but look at what you have right now happening at the same time you are telling them to get out of the streets… it when scandals are coming out, how the government has signed agreements with foreign companies to own all our national airports, the senate did not look at it, National Assembly did not discuss it..nobody knows what’s in the agreement,” he said.
“This is the dysfunction of our state, that what you do not expect is what comes out every two, three days. Another scandal brewing in is that NTSA is trying to get a private individual company which nobody knows about…The idea is fantastic but why can’t we do things within the law? Why can’t we advertise and say this is what we want.. this is what we are looking for, let the best come and do the work.”
The senator also criticized President Ruto for not adequately engaging with the dissenting youth to address the protests.
He argued that the President should learn to engage constructively with those who oppose him, rather than resorting to threats.
Additionally, Onyonka dismissed the government’s handling of the protests, claiming that the state is disorganized and unable to present a credible narrative.
“On conflict resolution, when you know that you are against the wall or there is an opportunity for you to engage with when somebody disagrees with you, then don’t go out there and say ‘if you don’t stop asking me to do what you want then you will see’…all the president could have said is I’ve been listening to this young men, I’m really trying my best, I’m working hard to make sure I can engage them. I will offer alternatives..” he added.
