Organise youth convention to quell disquiet, Ngirici tells Ruto

Kenya Seed Company chairperson Wangui Ngirici has appealed to President William Ruto to organise a national youth convention that will foster dialogue with young Kenyans.

 Ngirici said the Gen Zs have genuine issues that should be listened to and addressed without resorting to chaos.

 She said providing such a platform will give youths the chance to air their grievances and avert future protests while saving lives and property.

 “We recently saw people whose properties were destroyed. Others were shot dead. Why do we want to cause such issues for others?” she posed.

 A national youth convention, she added, would make it easier for the government to understand the challenges facing the youths and foster dialogue.

 Speaking at Kiamwathi area in Kirinyaga county, Ngirici said the chaos witnessed during protests affects all Kenyans as it dampens the business environment while leaving some people nursing injuries and counting losses.

 “We cannot live in an anarchy society and allow our country to descend into a banana republic. President, with all humility, make a date with these youths. Even call them to Kasarani and because they say they’re leaderless, let them lift their hands and be given a chance to speak”.

 “Let the government give the way forward on how their issues will be addressed and encourage them to give proposals,” Ngirici said, as she urged parents to talk to their youthful children on the need to uphold peace and give out solutions.

 Ngirici further cautioned Kenyans against blanket condemnation of the National Police Service that she said plays a vital role in upholding the law.

 She said the errant few officers should be held accountable but noted that their actions should not be used to paint the entire police force in a negative way.

 She cited the example of the officers responsible for the death of Albert Ojwang’ at Central police station weeks ago and the shooting of masks hawker Boniface Kariuki.

 “We saw the videos of that police officer shooting him unprovoked. Let him carry his cross. Those killing people in police cells and claiming they committed suicide, let them answer for their wrongs but we can’t say all police officers are bad because of a few,” she said.

 The officers, she said, are government officers who have to dispense their duties and have families that depend on them.

 “It’s the same thing with the youths. They’re trying to pass a message and have a right to protest. Let them be given an opportunity,” she added.

 Ngirici further urged Kenyans to avoid heightening political temperatures in between elections cycles and engaging in combative and divisive politics.