Why Is Natembeya Warning the Government on Protest Crackdowns?
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has criticized the government’s use of force against peaceful demonstrators, warning that bullets cannot silence the growing frustration among Kenyans. Speaking on Spice FM, Natembeya said deploying security forces to crush dissent only shows the administration’s failure to engage with legitimate public demands.
“If today 1 million Kenyans walked to State House, what are they going to do? Are they going to kill everybody? All these walls we build around ourselves as leaders are fake. They can just crumble. At the end of the day, power is with the people,” he stated.
Natembeya stressed that the government has ignored the voices of ordinary citizens while hiding behind armed police, warning that such tactics are temporary and unsustainable.
What Issues Are Driving Public Outrage?
The governor pointed to the economic crisis as a key driver of unrest, noting that Kenya is facing a staggering unemployment rate, especially among the youth.
“We have done a huge disservice to this country. We are not supposed to be where we are now where unemployment is almost at 60%. The chances of you living a lifetime without a job in Kenya are very real, not because you haven’t gone to school. It’s because you can’t get a job,” he said.
He added that the youth are not protesting aimlessly but are demanding meaningful opportunities and better leadership. “And that is what the young people are talking about. We are taking it very casually, and we think because we are leaders, we are very safe.”
What Sparked Natembeya’s Comments?
Natembeya’s remarks come after widespread protests on July 7, during the Saba Saba anniversary, which turned deadly. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 31 deaths and 107 injuries as of Tuesday evening. Police were accused of using excessive force, including chasing protesters into residential estates and using live ammunition.
The protests were a continuation of youth-led movements that began with last year’s anti-tax demonstrations, calling for government accountability, economic reforms, and an end to political impunity.
By Yockshard Enyendi