Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has warned the Mt Kenya region of impending doom following the massive destruction of property witnessed in several towns during the Saba Saba Day commemoration protests.
Through a statement shared on her X platform on Tuesday, July 8, Waiguru condemned the infiltration of protests by goons and organized criminal elements, noting that Mt Kenya was the hardest-hit region.
“Yesterday’s Sabasaba protests were mainly in Mt Kenya and its diaspora,” Waiguru stated. “What we witnessed was the massive destruction of businesses and property, including in my county, Kirinyaga.”
While acknowledging the legitimate concerns raised by Gen Z protestors, Waiguru expressed concern over what she termed self-inflicted harm on the region’s economy and future.
“Whether carried out by locals or led by imported goons, this is a tragedy that calls for serious introspection,” she stated.
The governor questioned the locals' silence or participation during vandalism and looting, warning that such actions could leave the region socially, economically, and politically disadvantaged.
Waiguru maintained that the right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution, but stressed the need for peaceful demonstrations devoid of violence from state actors and citizens.
She further urged the government to listen to the youth's genuine grievances, but cautioned the Mt Kenya region against taking a destructive approach to making a statement.
“There is indeed an urgency for the government to listen to the genuine concerns of the youth,” she acknowledged. “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.”
Several towns across the country witnessed massive destruction of property as goons took advantage of the Saba Saba commemoration.
Among the counties affected are Meru, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Nyeri counties, where businesses were looted and, in some cases, set ablaze.
