Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has weighed in on the anticipated Gen Z protests dubbed #OccupyJKIA slated for Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

Speaking during a TV interview, the senator expressed that the government is to blame for the sustained demos that will see the youth marching towards the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport because of upcoming scandals.

He noted that all brewing scandals peeking at a time when the youth are discontented with the ruling regime pave room for more demonstrations against the government.

Onyonka also wondered why the President William Ruto-led regime was so hell-bent on disregarding the law and constitution when formulating ideas, to avoid triggering the already dissatisfied youth.

“Some of these young men when we talk to them they say; Yes we want to get out of the streets, but look at what you have right now happening at the same time you are telling them to get out of the streets… it when scandals are coming out, how the government has signed agreements with foreign companies to own all our national airports, the senate did not look at it, National Assembly did not discuss it..nobody knows what’s in the agreement,” he said.

“This is the dysfunction of our state, that what you do not expect is what comes out every two, three days. Another scandal brewing in is that NTSA is trying to get a private individual company which nobody knows about…The idea is fantastic but why can’t we do things within the law? Why can’t we advertise and say this is what we want.. this is what we are looking for, let the best come and do the work.”

Additionally, the senator took a swipe at the president over his failure to appropriately engage the dissenting youth to tame the protests. He noted that the Head of State ought to learn to properly engage with those disagreeing with him instead of issuing threats.

He further rubbished the government’s overall sustained responses to the protests saying the state is not organised enough to create a believable narrative.

“On conflict resolution, when you know that you are against the wall or there is an opportunity for you to engage with when somebody disagrees with you, then don’t go out there and say ‘if you don’t stop asking me to do what you want then you will see’…all the president could have said is I’ve been listening to this young men, I’m really trying my best, I’m working hard to make sure I can engage them. I will offer alternatives..” he added.

For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.

Telegram: https://t.me/peopledailydigital

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va698juDOQIToHyu1p2z