Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary
Mutahi Kagwe has urged young people to protect the integrity of their protests
by keeping them peaceful.
He warned that criminal infiltration into demonstrations
could harm the country’s economy and job market.
Kagwe was speaking on Friday during a visit to Ngong Veg
farm and processing facility in Kajiado County.
He reminded youth that their right to protest is protected
by the Constitution, but warned that unrest could scare away investors.
“Whose country is this? It is ours and we must protect it,” he
said.
“When criminals infiltrate peaceful movements and cause
destruction, they don’t just damage property, they damage Kenya’s reputation.”
He added that the growing perception of instability is a
concern for international investors.
“If this continues, investors may choose other, even less
democratic but peaceful countries,” Kagwe said.
“This means fewer job opportunities, especially in
agriculture, which employs many Kenyans.”
The CS said violent protests risk destroying the very future
that young people are fighting for.
He urged them to focus their energy on protecting jobs and
building a stable economy.
“If we let violence and lawlessness take over, we kill the
very future we’re trying to build,” Kagwe said.
“Jobs are the real solution to frustration. But jobs need
peace, security, and a stable environment to grow.”
Kagwe also called on the Ministry of Interior to take strong
action against criminal groups using the ongoing Gen Z-led protests as a cover
for lawlessness.
He appealed to young people to take a stand, not just as
critics of government, but as protectors of Kenya’s future.
“Our young people must rise to defend their country’s
future. Don’t let criminals speak for you,” Kagwe said.
Kagwe’s remarks come amid ongoing protests in various parts
of the country, driven largely by youth demanding political and economic
reforms.
While many demonstrations have remained peaceful, some have
turned violent, resulting in destruction of property and injuries.
Kagwe warned that continued unrest will only make it harder
for the country to recover and grow.
“Peaceful protest is a right. But we must not allow criminals to hijack that right and ruin the hopes of an entire generation,” Kagwe said.
