Clerics call for talks between Ruto and generation-z

Clerics from Githurai in Kiambu county have pleaded with enraged Gen Z to tone down and agree to dialogue with the government to prevent further loss of lives and destruction of property.

The bishops, reverends and pastors spoke to journalists hours after President William Ruto bowed to public pressure and withdrew the finance bill 2024 containing controversial tax hikes following deadly protests which saw government offices torched and private enterprises vandalised.

The clergymen stated that Ruto had conceded and agreed to initiate a dialogue with the young people and as such, protesters should exercise restraint and give room for negotiation.

Furious protestors

Speaking at Githurai roundabout, the clerics under the umbrella of Githurai Sub-County Pastors Forum at the same time implored on leaders in government to swallow their pride and diplomatically engage the furious protesters.

Led by Elijah Lankisa who heads the pastors’ forum, the clerics urged President Ruto to offer leadership to steer the country in the right direction saying that the mayhem witnessed in the country would have been avoided if the leaders had listened to the people.

“We are saddened with the situation in the country right now. Lives have been lost and property destroyed. Did it have to come this far? We appeal to the government to tone down and accept dialogue.

 The president should offer leadership during such a moment. To the young people, your voices have been hard and you now have an opportunity to negotiate with the government, please calm down and allow dialogue to take place,” said Lankisa.

They at the same time called on police to stop using excessive force on protesters especially after reports indicated that sleuths fatally shot an unknown number of people within Githurai area.

Additionally, the clergymen condemned destruction of property by goons taking advantage of the protests decrying that businesspersons had incurred huge losses that would take them a lot of time to recover.

Furious protestors

 During his address to the nation, Ruto promised to among other things institute austerity measures starting with budgetary cuts right from the presidency downwards to make up the difference in the country’s finances.

He at the same time vowed to ruthlessly deal with corruption to ensure prudent use of all public funds for the betterment of the country.

The contentious Finance Bill 2024 had been passed by parliament on Tuesday, despite nationwide demonstrations against it.

Protesters broke into government offices including parliament, vandalising the interior and setting parts of the complex on fire before they stole the ceremonial mace symbolising the authority of the legislature.

This comes at a time when an administrator yesterday dared the Azimio La Umoja coalition to reveal the bodies of the people they claim were massacred at Githurai 45 in Kiambu County during anti-finance bill 2024 Tuesday evening protests.

Danson Mwangangi, the Assistant County Commissioner Githurai Sub-County told journalists that while it’s true police fired in the air to disperse rowdy rioters, no lives were lost during the melee.