Over 30 Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) allied to President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance have called on anti-government protesters to immediately end their nationwide street demos and give the government time to work.
The MCAs, who issued a joint statement on Monday, said the ongoing demonstrations are distracting President Ruto from delivering on his promises and that some elements in the political class and civil society are using the protests to push their own agendas.
“We urge the demonstrators to call off their demos and allow the president to work on the issues that have already been highlighted,” said Chinga Ward MCA Mr. Kiruga Thuku, who is also a member of the UDA National Election Board.
The MCAs accused some of the protesters’ demands as unreasonable, unconstitutional, and illegal. They also warned that if the protests continue, it could lead to violence and an escalation of the situation.
“We have come here as MCAs from across the country to ask why the President has been handling this issue alone. Where are the MPs? Are they still hiding after voting for the withdrawn Finance Bill? Come out and defend, support the President,” said Paul Chirchir from Kapsoit Ward in Kericho.
The leaders also called on elected officials, including Members of Parliament and Senators, to speak out against anarchy and support the President.
Waithaka MCA Antony Karanja Kiragu urged demonstrators to give dialogue a chance, saying that mothers and children are bearing the brunt of the demonstrations.
“Let us talk to our daughters and sons at home. Let us preach peace to them. Let us not use the same law that we want leaders to uphold, while at the same time stealing and destroying the property of others,” he said.
The Nairobi Business Community (NBC) has also appealed for calm, urging demonstrators to give the government time to meet their demands while also calling on the police to pursue lawbreakers during the protests.
In related news, four senior figures have been wanted by the government over their alleged involvement in the protests.
