Dr. Fred Mating’i calls on the government to tone down weapons against thousands of young people who gathered in cities and towns across Kenya to mark the tragic events of June 25, 2024, and to honour the memory of the Gen Z protesters who lost their lives during that time.
The former Cabinet Secretary issued a heartfelt message on Wednesday, expressing solidarity with the ongoing protests nationwide.
He recalls last year’s demonstrations that took the lives of over 60 young people, who were voicing concerns over the Finance Bill 2024.According to Matiang’i, the bill was punitive tax policies, the mismanagement of public resources, reduced government funding to universities, and broader governance issues.
Matiang’i argued that these young active citizens were exercising their protected right to petition the authorities. “I fully associate myself with the sentiments that they expressed.”He urges police to use less force when dealing with peaceful protesters”I urge the government not to harden its heart but to genuinely listen to the citizens’ cry for justice and reform. I also make a heartfelt plea to our security officers: please do not turn your weapons on your fellow citizens, exercise restraint and sobriety. Do not meet peaceful protests with force,” Matiang’i pleads
He argued that it’s only dialogue and a genuine willingness to listen that will find a path to the peaceful resolution of grievances and the restoration of calm in this nation.
Matiang’i condemned the use of excess force by the authorities, which will only deepen the crisis and push the country down a dangerous and slippery slope.
Matiang’i urges leaders to put aside political differences regardless of political affiliations or the divides among them, “This is a time to pull together and reflect deeply on the foundations of our nation. “We must come together across party lines and generations, to fix what is broken and build a future that is just, accountable, and inclusive,” he stated
