Machakos governor Wavinya Ndeti has sounded a warning to criminals who intend to hijack peaceful demonstrations by Gen Z.

Speaking yesterday at Mbiuni Chief’s camp in Mwala Sub-county, where she launched a Sh35 million Locust Emergency Response Programme, the Governor said Machakos residents were fed up by activities of criminals who have been masquerading as peaceful protesters to reign terror on innocent and peace-loving residents.

“I hear they have said they will come to greet me. Let them try. We are waiting for them,” said the county boss.

Unleash violence

The governor said she was aware her detractors including political leaders have been bribing youths to unleash violence and destruction but maintained her spirit won’t be dampened.

“We know our youths demonstrated and went back home. The hooligans who took over and engaged in looting and destruction were commissioned by politicians and we will not give them more space,” she said.

She urged youths to desist from violence and engage in constructive activities. “I am ready and willing to meet the young people any time anywhere. I have all it takes to address their grievances,” said the Governor.

The locust response program will benefit farmer groups in four wards including Mbiuni, Matungulu North, Kivaa and Masinga Central.

The package includes; Galla goats, improved indigenous chicks, chick mash, hermatic bags, banana tissue culture seedlings, certified seeds (beans and cowpeas), foliar feed, insecticides, fungicides, fertilizer, beehives and ear tags among other product