Gen Z Activism Spurs Governors to Action in Western Counties
Amid escalating opposition from Generation Z protestors over poor county-level governance, beleaguered governors are scrambling to win the support of young activists and prevent further unrest.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and his Nyamira counterpart Amos Nyaribo have extended invitations to Gen Z protestors for talks aimed at addressing their grievances. Last week, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka engaged in a similar dialogue with the youth in his county, addressing their concerns during a conversation session.
Over the weekend, Governor Nyaribo offered an olive branch to the protestors, expressing his willingness to meet and listen to their issues. “I am ready to meet with the Gen Z so that I can listen to their issues, discuss with them, and finally find a lasting solution,” he stated.
He apologized for missing a previous meeting when the youth stormed his office, explaining he was out of the country on official duty. He has now scheduled a meeting with the protestors for Wednesday in Nyamira town, promising to address their grievances.
Last Tuesday, over 800 young protestors demonstrated in Nyamira town, criticizing Nyaribo’s leadership and that of County Assembly Speaker Enock Okero. Led by Sammy Charama, the protestors accused the officials of corruption, nepotism, and clannism, demanding their immediate resignation.
Separately, Governor Barasa invited the Gen Z protestors for dialogue to address their concerns. Speaking at a KNUT general meeting in Shinyalu, he emphasized the importance of their input in shaping his administration’s structure and productivity, though he did not disclose the meeting venue.
However, Barasa’s overture faced criticism from Kakamega Woman MP Elsie Muhanda, who arrived at the venue shortly after Barasa’s departure. Muhanda labeled the governor’s invitation as opportunistic and hypocritical, accusing him of intending to identify key protest leaders for intimidation or bribery. She urged the youth to reject his overtures. “Even President William Ruto was humble enough to get into their space. But here we have a leader who asks you for a meeting under his conditions,” she remarked.
Muhanda also condemned Barasa for allegedly hiring and arming goons to counter the young protestors during last week’s demonstrations. “Your office was used to hire and arm goons with clubs and batons to harm young protesters, and now suddenly you pretend to be Godsend, seeking talks with our children. You’re indeed a shameless turncoat,” she said.
On Tuesday last week, a group of youths armed with clubs and batons were seen leaving the Kakamega county government headquarters, apparently prepared to confront the Gen Z protestors.
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Gen Z Activism Spurs Governors to Action in Western Counties
